Electrical safety around the home

Access to electricity in our everyday lives has become natural to many of us; however, the Saskatoon Fire Department advises caution regarding the safe use and care of electrical equipment.

Electrical considerations to make include:

• Always have electrical work done by a qualified electrician,
• Heat-producing appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters, or space heaters, should always be used independently when plugged into an outlet,
• Major appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers, should always be plugged directly into an outlet dedicated to that appliance,
• Have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed in your kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and on all exterior outlets; GFCIs shut down an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard,
• Have arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed in your home; AFCIs shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs, and
• Always use light bulbs with the appropriate wattage for their socket.

Remember to watch for the following indicators of a potential electrical issue around your home:

• Continued flickering or dimming lights,
• Sparks when plugging into an outlet,
• Burning smells when using an appliance,
• Discoloured and/or warm outlets,
• Frequently blown fuses and/or tripped breakers, and
• Tingling feelings when touching an appliance.

SAFETY TIP!

Extension cords are intended for temporary use only and can pose a serious hazard when used incorrectly. Never run extension cords across doorways or under carpets; choosing to do so not only increases the risk of a fire, but also a fall!

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.