Electrical Safety Tips to Protect Your Home

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there is an annual average of 165,380 electrical-related home structures fires, taking an average of more than 900 lives, injuring nearly 7,000 people and causing nearly $1.7 billion in property damage.   To protect your loved ones and home, Denali Alaskan Insurance, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offer some electrical safety tips.

Outlets and Plugs

• Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.
• Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock.

• Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit. Plugs should fit securely into outlets.
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.
• Replace any missing or broken wall plates.
• Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
• Check for any hot or discolored outlet wall plates; this may indicate dangerous heat buildup at the connections.

Power Cords and Extension Cords

• Ensure all power cords and extension cords are in good condition, not frayed or cracked.
• Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or another object.
• Do not place cords in high traffic areas or under carpets, rugs or furniture.
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring.
• Ensure extension cords and electrical products are listed by an independent testing facility such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), CSA, ETL or MET labs, and are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or tool being plugged into it.

Denali Alaskan Insurance is your one-stop shop for home and auto insurance.  If you would like a competitive quote on home insurance, please contact Denali Alaskan Insurance at 257-1625, in Anchorage, or toll-free at 800/770-1825 from anywhere in Alaska.

© Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and reprinted with permission.