Home Electrical Safety and Security:
How safe is the electrical wiring in your home? Is your property and family at risk? When it comes to electrical safety, ignorance is not bliss.
Electrical safety and security in your home starts with a proactive approach.
ESFI President Brett C. Brenner believes “knowledge can save your life.” The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an estimated 10,500 unintentional residential electrical fires annually. These fires result in an average of over $390 million in property loss, 170 deaths, and 480 injuries every year. Making yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of electrical problems and electrical deficiencies in your home can prevent these unnecessary risks to your home and family.
Electrical Outlets
Ensure your home has the right electrical outlets that meet current code standards. From tamper-resistant, childproof outlets to specialty outlets such as GFCIs for increased safety in water-prone locations, the right outlet for the job is essential to the safety of your family, appliances, and home.
CO Detectors and Smoke Detectors
Maintaining your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are two of the easiest things you can do to ensure your safety at home. Remembering to change the batteries and test them regularly are easy habits to put off, but put safety first and make them part of your regular home maintenance routine, along with changing your air filters and scheduling an annual electrical inspection.
Wiring Upgrades
Older wiring is potentially hazardous and should be kept well-maintained and updated on a regular basis. Knob and tube wiring is the oldest variety. If you have any in your home and it has been altered over the years, it is time to consider rewiring your house. Original, untouched knob and tube wiring is safe, but you should have it inspected to determine its stability over the long-term.
Motion Sensors
Security on the exterior of your home is an important feature, not only for you but also for visitors approaching your doors after dark. Motion sensors save time and money over traditional exterior lights controlled by a switch.
Home Standby Generators
Having a home standby generator on hand is a good idea for everyone, but especially for people in areas prone to severe weather and power outages.
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Note: To protect yourself from surges that originate within the house, it is a good idea to take extra precaution and continue to use power.