| 
|
| Check If
Your Home is Accident Prone
- Click here to learn more -
|
|
|
| The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately
14,000 clothes dryer-related fires occur each year. Some of these fires
may occur when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under
certain conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive heat buildup
may cause a fire in some dryers. To prevent clothes dryer-caused fires. |
| Outlets |
| Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can
overheat and lead to fire. Replace any 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 and they should not
have any furniture resting on them. |
| Extension Cords |
| Check to see that the cords are not overheated. Additionally,
extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not safe
as permanent household wiring. |
| Plugs |
| Make sure the proper type plug is in each outlet. If you are
using three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut
off the ground pin (the third/bottom prong) from the plug; this could lead
to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong adapter. |
|
| NEVER
FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. |
|
| This could lead to fire or shock. Plugs should fit securely
into outlets, and outlets should not by overloaded. |
| Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) |
| GFCIs can prevent many electrocutions. They should be used
in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCs
regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they
are working properly. |
| Light Bulbs |
| Check the wattage of all bulbs in lighting 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. |
| Circuit Breakers/Fuses |
| Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct sizes for
the circuits. If you do not know the correct size fuse, have an electrician
identify and label the sizes to be used. Never replace a fuse with anything
but another, correct size fuse. |
| Water and Electricity Don't Mix |
| Don't place any electrical appliances near water; ie, a sink
or a bathtub. Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when
not in use. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and
don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person. |
| Appliances |
| If one appliance repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit
breaker, or if it has emitted an electric shock, unplug it and have it repaired
or replace. |
| 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. |
|
|
|
|