MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH, and Farmers EC is working to raise awareness about potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety. Our modern lives depend on electricity, and if you don’t properly maintain your electrical products, they can create hazards. The good news is that eliminating electrical hazards from your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

Many homes and their electrical systems were built before most modern-day home electronics and appliances were even invented. Today’s increased demand for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system. If you notice flickering or dimming lights, it may indicate your home’s wiring is inadequate for your needs.

HAVE IT CHECKED BY AN ELECTRICIAN

Farmers Electric Cooperative offers the following tips to help identify and eliminate electrical hazards to protect yourself, your family, and your home:

• Make sure televisions, game systems, and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation.

• Use extension cords as temporary solutions only.

• Do not place extension cords in high-traffic areas or under carpets.

• Use a surge protector to help protect your computer, televisions, and other electronic equipment from damage caused by voltage changes.

• Keep liquids away from electrical items such as televisions and computers.

• Make sure a light-bulb’s wattage is right for the fixture. Light-bulbs with wattages that are too high for the fixture can overheat and cause a fire.

• Create a guide for your breaker box so that you know which breaker to turn off when needed.

• Recurring tripped circuit breakers or multiple blown fuses can signify a serious and dangerous electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately.

As always, Farmers EC encourages you and your family to stay safe.

TAKE CHARGE.

Save on your Electric bill and Request our Farmers EC Home Energy Efficiency Guide in the Efficiency hub.