Safety Bulletins

Electrical Safety in the Home

Electricity is a powerful force that can be dangerous if not handled properly. In the home, electrical safety is essential to prevent fires, injuries, and even death.

Here are some basic electrical safety tips to follow in your home:

Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
This includes installing new outlets, fixtures, and appliances, as well as repairing or replacing damaged wiring.
Inspect your electrical outlets and appliances regularly for signs of damage.
Look for loose or frayed wires, cracked or broken outlets, and appliances that are overheating.
Never overload outlets.
When plugging in multiple appliances, use a power strip or surge protector to distribute the load evenly.
Keep cords and wires out of reach of children and pets.
Children and pets can easily trip over or chew on cords, which can cause a shock or fire.
Don't use extension cords as permanent wiring.
Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. If you need to use an extension cord on a regular basis, have a qualified electrician install a permanent outlet.
Don't overload extension cords.
Only plug in as many appliances as the extension cord is rated for.
Don't use extension cords outdoors.
Extension cords are not designed for outdoor use and can be damaged by water.
Never use electrical appliances in wet areas.
This includes the bathroom, kitchen, and near swimming pools.
Be careful when using electrical appliances near flammable materials.
Keep appliances at least three feet away from curtains, rugs, and other flammable materials.
Unplug appliances when not in use.
This will help to prevent electrical fires.
Have your home's electrical system inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.
This is especially important if your home is older or if you have had any electrical problems in the past.

By following these simple safety tips, you can help to prevent electrical fires and injuries in your home.

Additional Safety Tips:

In addition to the basic safety tips listed above, there are a few other things you can do to improve electrical safety in your home:

·Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
These detectors can alert you to a fire or carbon monoxide leak, giving you time to evacuate your home safely.
Keep your electrical panel clean and free of debris.
This will help to prevent fires from starting in the electrical panel.
Label all electrical circuits in your home.
This will help you to identify which circuit is powering which appliances, making it easier to troubleshoot electrical problems.
Have your home's electrical system grounded.
Grounding helps to protect you from electrical shock in the event of a power surge or short circuit.

By following these safety tips, you can help to keep your home safe from electrical fires and injuries.

Natural Gas Safety

jump to Electrical Safety in the Home

Natural gas is a safe, reliable, and efficient fuel that is used by millions of people in the United States. However, it is important to take steps to ensure the safety of natural gas appliances and installations.

Installation and Maintenance

All natural gas appliances should be installed, maintained, and vented by a licensed or qualified professional installer or service technician. This will help to ensure that the appliances are safe and properly functioning.

Inspection and Cleaning

Gas water heaters, furnaces, and flues should be inspected periodically by a qualified technician. The area around these appliances should also be kept clean to prevent the buildup of flammable materials.

Draining the Water Heater

A pail full of water should be drained from the water heater at least twice a year to remove sediment that may accumulate in the bottom of the tank. This will help to prevent the water heater from overheating and malfunctioning.

Checking the Flame

The flame on the gas range should be blue. If the flame is yellow or orange, it may indicate a problem with the appliance. The range and burners should also be kept clean to prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable materials.

Fire Extinguisher

A dry chemical fire extinguisher should be kept in the kitchen in case of a fire. This will help to extinguish the fire quickly and safely.

Space Heaters

If you use a gas space heater anywhere in your home, it must be vented to the outside. Never sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene heater.

Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. A "rotten eggs" smell is added to the gas so that you can smell a leak. If you detect a strong odor, do not touch anything. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or flashlights. Leave the building immediately and call for help at (606) 796-2641 from a neighbor's home or nearby business.

Gas Safety is a Family Affair

Teach your family how to recognize the smell of gas and what to do when they smell it and you are not home. Teach small children to stay away from gas-burning appliances and to never play on or with pipes leading to appliances or into your home from meters.

Be Prepared and Practice

Safety drills help everyone understand their role in an emergency. Practice what you would do in the event of a natural gas leak.

Natural Gas is Safe

Natural gas is a safe, reliable, and efficient fuel. By following these simple safety tips, you can help to ensure the safety of your family and your home.