Attleboro Fire Department: Attleboro Fire Department Offers Residents Electrical Safety Tips During National Electrical Safety Month

Press release from the Attleboro Fire Department:

Taylor O'Neil

May 27, 2021

Chief Scott Lachance and the Attleboro Fire Department

Each year, May is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). The annual initiative seeks to raise awareness about electrical safety and ensure residents take the necessary precautions to prevent fires, shocks and burns that can occur when electrical systems and devices are not handled and maintained properly.

Each year, May is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month by the According to the “Each year, thousands of electrically-related home fires and injuries occur within the United States,” Chief Lachance said. “As such, electrical safety should be a top priority of homeowners and renters alike. We encourage all residents to familiarize themselves with the tips below to help mitigate the chance of any potential fires or accidents from occurring.”  In order to protect yourself, your family and your home from electrical fires, the NFPA offers the following safety tips Make sure all electrical work is conducted by a qualified electrician. When buying a new home or remodeling, have it inspected for electrical safety by someone qualified to do so. Only plug one heat-producing device into an outlet at one time, such as a space heater or toaster. When using extension cords, only plug smaller appliances into them. Major appliances like a refrigerator, dryer, washer, stove or air conditioner need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet.  Consider installing an advanced circuit breaker, which can shut off electricity when a problem is detected. Electrical cords should not run across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords should only be used temporarily. When using a light bulb, ensure it has the correct number of watts. There are a number of situations in the home where the NFPA encourages residents to call an electrician, including when fuses blow frequently in the home, circuit breakers frequently trip, you have a tingling feeling when touching an electrical appliance, wall outlets are warm or discolored, a burning or rubbery smell is coming from an appliance, you notice flickering or dimming lights or see sparks coming from an outlet.

The Attleboro Fire Department also wishes to remind you that electrical safety is just as important outside the home as inside the home.

The Attleboro outdoor electrical safety Only use lighting, extension cords and power tools intended for outdoor use and listed by a qualified test laboratory. Store electrical tools indoors and keep them away from children. Ensure the area around your electric meter and all electrical equipment is clear. Before using lighting or extension cords, check them for damage and replace them right away if needed. these tips Do not plug too many devices into an outlet at risk of overloading it. Only use extension cords temporarily as they are not a replacement for wall outlets. Unplug all appliances when they are not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire. Regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage. Avoid using charging devices on your bed, as devices covered by blankets or pillows could overheat and lead to a fire.

Residents that have any questions about electrical safety can contact the Attleboro Fire Department at 774-203-1922. As always, call 911 in event of an emergency.

This press release was produced by the Attleboro Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.