Safety First

Electricity powers modern life, but it can be dangerous if not handled carefully. Check back here each month for new tips on how to stay safe around electric power at your home or business.

• Overloaded outlets are a common cause of electrical fires. While adapters and power strips can allow you to plug more devices into a single outlet, it’s important to remember that the outlet’s load limit remains the same.
• Only plug a single heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Check outlet covers to make sure they aren’t cracked and cover all the wiring. If an outlet is burnt, buzzing, or hot to the touch, call a qualified electrician.
• If you use a power strip, make sure it has an internal circuit breaker to protect your devices and reduce the risk of a fire.