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. Kitchens are often the heart of a home and where many appliances reside. So be sure to take extra care when operating, cleaning and placing your kitchen appliances.

• Water and electricity never mix, but they’re especially close in the kitchen. Make sure all plugs and sockets are away from the sink and consider equipping them with a residual current device to shut off power if there’s a fault.
• Always dry your hands before using switches or touching electrical equipment.
• Unplug any appliance before cleaning. Devices like toasters have live parts inside that could still give you a shock if you aren’t careful.
• Clean your oven to prevent grease buildup and keep it from becoming a fire hazard.
• Don’t place appliances on top or in front of a vent. It stops air circulation, which could cause a fire.

To learn more about building safe electric habits, click the Outages & Safety tab on the SVEC website, and follow us on social media.