The Scary Truth about Electrical Hazards in the Home and How to Avoid Them

Electricity is the most dangerous and scariest hazard in the home. It is completely odorless, it is silent, and it moves at record-defying speeds. When it strikes, it can destroy objects and property in its path. If an object is a human, electricity can cause severe disfigurement or disability – if it doesn't first kill that person.

Below are some common electrical hazards in the home:

• Electrical appliances that overheat, blow fuses or spark heavily.
• Wet floors where electricity is being used.
• Using extension cords instead of permanent wiring indoors or outdoors.
• Electrical appliances such as shavers, hairdryers, heaters, portable lamps or radios near baths, showers or swimming pools.
• Piggy-backing appliance plugs on a single switch.
• Worn or frayed electric cords.

The North Carolina Electric Cooperatives say the best way to reduce deaths from electrical shocks in the home is to have a RCD (residual current device) installed. It is fitted inside your household fuse box. If there is wet or faulty wiring, or a current passes through a person, the switch cuts off the power in a split second. Although it is not guaranteed to be 100 percent foolproof, it will definitely reduce the severity of an injury.

Pay special attention to the following:

• Never touch switches or appliances with wet hands.
• Wear rubber shoes if you must use electricity in wet areas.
• Ensure that outdoor appliances don’t come into contact with puddles of water.
• Before unplugging an appliance, switch it off.
• Don’t repair damaged, worn or frayed electrical cords (or extension cords) with tape. Throw them out.

[source: http://climatecontrolhickory.com/]