By John Ward
Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric
www.applewoodfixit.com

June is National Safety Month. Is your home safe? This is a good time to take a few minutes to make sure.

The most common household hazards are electrical. Electrical accidents in and around the home kill thousands of Americans each year. Under the wrong conditions, even a small amount of current can be dangerous. Other common household hazards include chemical and mechanical hazards.

The summer months can be especially hazardous for children home from school and playing in and around the house. So, make sure your children understand basic safety rules - to reduce their risk when near or using potentially hazardous devices or substances.

Here are some safety tips to help insure that your home is safe for everyone:

Electrical

Make sure extension cords are properly rated for your electric tools. The amperage required for specific tools is displayed somewhere on most tools. Extension cords also come with amperage ratings. Using an extension cord that's too small can cause a fire hazard and damage the tool's motor.

Don't overload household circuits when using electric tools. Some tools require a surprisingly large amount of power. Make sure the circuit you're using will handle the extra load.

· Use outdoor-rated tools and cords when using electric tools outside. Most products rated for outdoor use are weather resistant to some degree. Those that aren't can become dangerous after a brief sprinkle or in foggy conditions.

· Check all power cords and extension cords for cracks or nicks before using them. Replace them if they show signs of wear, taped-over cuts, broken plugs, etc.

· Never remove the grounding pin from a three-pronged plug. It makes the plug unsafe for use.

· Don't barbecue on an electric grill when it's raining - or even just drizzling.

· If possible, use plugs with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to prevent shock or electrocution. This is especially important when working around water.

· Keep radios, TVs, blenders and other electrical devices away from pools, sprinklers, hoses, and other water. Use FGCI-equipped plugs around pools, etc. If an electrical appliance falls into the water, shut off the circuit before unplugging the appliance. Don't reach into the water to retrieve the appliance until the circuit has been shut off.

· Don't use metal ladders around electrical wires.

Lightning

· Lightning strikes in the United States around 20 million times a year. And, despite the myth, it can strike in the same place twice.

· If you see a storm approaching when you're outside, try to find shelter indoors. If that's not possible, get to a low area away from trees and crouch down.

· If you hear thunder, seek shelter - even under a clear blue sky. If you're swimming in a pool, lake or the ocean, immediately swim to shore and find cover. If you're in a boat, immediately get to shore.

· Don't use ladders, especially metal ladders, when lightning is around.

· Don't wait till the storm is on top of you; lightning can travel sideways up to 10 miles.

· Avoid metal items like golf clubs or bats, as well as contact with water, either indoors or out.

· When indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and corded telephones.

· Don't forget your pet. Dogs chained or in a doghouse are at great risk.

Other Safety Tips

· Keep children away from lawnmowers. Rocks and other items ejected from a power mower can be lethal. If a child is mowing your lawn, make sure s/he knows how to operate the mower safely.

· Keep children and pets (and adults) away from areas you've treated with insecticides or other chemicals until those areas are safe (based on manufacturers' guidelines).

· Store household chemicals out of reach of children. Don't forget about lawn and garden chemicals that may be in your garage or tool shed.

· Store tools where young children can't get to them. Don't leave tools lying around your house or yard when adults, children or pets can step on them or trip over them.

· Always have a helper when using a ladder - especially when climbing onto your roof or other high areas. Don't use metal

Child Safety Around The Home

·Teach older children to pull out a plug by the plug, not the cord

·Teach children that power tools are not toys

·Unplug seldom-used appliances when not in use

·Teach your child to wait until a light bulb is cool before touching it

·Teach your child not to touch any appliance with wet hands

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(John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric for more than 34 years. He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices.)