All the time is the perfect time to learn and practice electrical safety. Various organizations have designated certain times of the year to focus on fire, storm, and electrical safety. The Electricraft, Inc. team has prepared the following calendar to help the San Luis Obispo County communities take advantage of free safety information and resources.
Your safety calendar
Here are the key dates and observances for electrical safety you should add to your calendar:
- December through February: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that close to half of home fires occur during the winter. Holiday cooking and kitchen accidents raise the risk of kitchen fires. Overloading electrical circuits with holiday lights, reliance on extension cords, and using damaged equipment contribute to electrical fires. Be on the safe side and make sure electrical kitchen appliances are in good condition, electrical holiday decorations are all in good working order, and electrical circuits are sufficient to handle the extra loads.
- April is designated as Safe Digging Month. Each year, thousands of people are injured, and millions of dollars in property damage are caused by accidentally digging into underground utility lines, pipes, and cables. The 811 service is a free national call center designated to mark utility lines before digging so work can proceed safely. The San Luis Obispo electrical team from Electricraft reminds county residents to call 811 before digging.
- May is National Electrical Safety Month, spearheaded by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). ESFI is a nonprofit organization working with community leaders since 1994 to develop and share electrical safety resources for promoting electrical safety in schools, communities, and workplaces. The Electricraft team encourages the public to take advantage of the free educational resources on the ESFI website. Electrical inspections are the best way to be sure that electrical systems are safe. Electricraft licensed electricians are always ready to inspect residential, industrial, commercial, and public electrical systems.
- June has a week designated as National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. In the past few years, California has experienced several catastrophic wildfires that were started by lightning strikes. Nationally, the National Weather Service reports that approximately 20 people die every year from lightning strikes, and hundreds more are severely injured. Visit the National Weather Service website for information about the science of lightning, safety tips, educational materials for families, and resources for teachers.
- October is Fire Prevention Month and includes emphasis on electrical fire hazards and prevention. Visit the NFPA website for educational resources for fire safety and prevention.
- September through November are ideal for storm preparedness. A preparedness checklist includes a family plan for what to do when the lights go out, checking the generator to make sure it’s in good working order, checking the roof for signs of wear or damage to help prevent leaks that can damage electrical wiring and become a fire hazard, and inspecting the solar panels to make sure they are clean and in good repair. The San Luis Obispo electrical company’s experienced electricians and solar technicians can inspect the panels and electrical system.
Marking these months on your calendar helps to remind you to make sure emergency preparedness plans are in place and safety inspections are completed. As an added safety measure, the Electricraft team has prepared this list of safety tips:
- Know where the main electricity switch is located and how to turn it off in an emergency.
- An odd, unidentifiable smell, smoke, or sparks coming from an electrical outlet, wire, or fixture indicate a serious problem. Evacuate everyone, including pets, shut off the power, and call 911, especially if flames are present.
- Don’t overload circuits by plugging too many appliances or electronics into an outlet.
- Avoid overuse of extension cords.
- Keep flammable materials away from lamps and light bulbs. Even though LED bulbs don’t get as hot as incandescent bulbs, any amount of heat can cause a fire with the right material.
- Use safety covers on outlets to prevent young, curious children from sticking objects into the holes.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off in the event of a dangerous electricity situation, and Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) reduce the risk of shock. Install these devices in your home or business and test them monthly.
- Rely on trained electricians for inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs, and avoid electrical do-it-yourself projects.
Electricraft, Inc., a family-owned business serving the California Central Coast since 1984, is proud to help bring the messages about electrical safety to local communities. The San Luis Obispo electricians take pride in providing a safe work environment and in placing electrical safety as a top priority for the community.
Electricraft is available 24-hours, 7 days a week for emergencies and provides leading electrical and solar services for any size project on the Central Coast. The company’s commitment to every customer is to provide superior quality service and complete satisfaction, on time and at a fair price.
