Spring has officially sprung, which means that the carefree days of summer are just around the corner.
With the longer, warmer days of summer come several electrical hazards that many people are not aware of. Don’t let your summer fun turn into a nightmare; be aware and prepared of electrical hazards so that you can enjoy your summer to the fullest. Be safe and contact a local electrician to help with all the wiring.
Here’s a look at some of the top electrical hazards and safety tips that you should know…
Outdoor Safety Hazards and Tips
Flying kits, playing catch, chasing a Frisbee, swinging and swimming; there’s so much fun to be had outside during the summer season. Before you and your loved ones head outside, make sure everyone is aware of the electrical hazards that exist and how they can be avoided:
- Steer clear of power lines. Explain to children that they should never touch a power line, not even with a toy or a stick. It should be assumed that all power lines are live and dangerous, and touching one could cause serious harm. Commercial building can lose a lot of business if a frayed line meets with a stray piece of material, which can disrupt business.
- Play in wide open spaces, especially when playing with kites, remote controlled airplanes or anything else that is airborne. Stay away from storage tank insulation as this is not a toy, but a very effective tool. If these items are played with near power lines, there is a risk that they could get stuck in the lines, which could be extremely dangerous.
- Though it may be common knowledge that water and electricity don’t mix, it is worth mentioning this hazard. Never use anything that is powered by electricity near water, including pools, sprinklers, puddles, or anything else where water is present. Make sure to discuss this with your children, too.
- Avoid trees that are near power lines. Kids love climbing trees, but if a tree is near a power line, they should definitely avoid it. There’s a risk that the power line could touch the tree, or kids could touch the power line while climbing, both of which are dangerous.
- Keep an eye on the sky. If a storm is rolling in, head inside to avoid the risk of being struck by lightning.
Indoor Safety Hazards and Tips
People tend to use more electricity indoors during the summer, which can lead to serious problems if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some indoor electrical safety hazards and tips that everyone in your family should be mindful of:
- Check all power cords before plugging appliances in. If they are frayed or appear damaged in any way, do not use them. If a power cord is damaged, there’s an increased risk for electrical shock or fire.
- Make sure air conditioners are working properly. Not only will doing so save you money on your utility bills, but it will also prevent potential safety hazards from occurring; for example, if excessive condensation builds up on the ice air ac unit, shocks or even a fire could occur.
- Just like outside, water and electricity do not mix inside. Make sure that any items that require electricity are not used near water and are not used by anyone who is wet; the results could be deadly. If you need help, call an electrician.
- Make sure your electrical system is operating properly by calling long island electrician . Since more electricity tends to be used during the summer months, it’s a wise idea to have your system inspected by a professional before the start of the summer season. If any issues exist, they can be corrected, which will help you avoid hazards and will help you save money, too.
- If you have any concerns regarding electrical safety during the summer – or any time of the year – or you need the help of a licensed, professional electrician, give us a call!
