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Electricity is everywhere; and individuals at home, in the
school and workplace need to understand how to use electricity
and electrical products safely.
That is why Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System joined
the National Electrical Safety Foundation which was established
in 1994 to promote electrical safety in the home, school and
workplace.
OMLPS have several informational brochures and booklets
regarding electric safety for the home, workplace, outdoors,
seasons and holidays. Please contact Doug McMillan, Utility Services
Manager at 775-7260 for free safety information. If you would
like to log on to the National Electrical Safety Foundation
website, you may do so at www.nesf.org.
Here is a quick residential electric safety checklist to
help make your home electrically safe.
OUTLETS
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which
can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken
wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused
outlets that are accessible to children.
CORDS
Make sure cords are in good condition not frayed or cracked.
Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should
never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to
another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs
or rest any furniture on them.
EXTENSION CORDS
Check to see that the cords are not overloaded. Additionally,
extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis;
they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make
sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent
young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
PLUGS
Make sure plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground
pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-conductor
outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE
A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit
securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too
many appliances.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used
in any area where water and electricity may come into contact.
When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit,
it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts
power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical
shock. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's
instructions to make sure they are working properly.
LIGHT BULBS
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make
sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture.
Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended;
if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer
of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely;
loose bulbs may overheat the socket and burn you.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS/FUSES
Circuit breakers and fuses should have the correct current
rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct
size, have an electrician identify and label the size to
be used. Always replace a fuse with the same correct size
fuse.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX
Don't leave plugged in appliances where they might come
into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls
into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out even if
it's turned off. Unplug it first. If you have an appliance
that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked
by a qualified repair person.
APPLIANCES
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit
breaker, or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have
it repaired or replaced.
ENTERTAINMENT/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and
working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs,
and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of
a nationally recognized certification agency.
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