Remembering to keep electrical safety in mind when indoors is critical, espcially during storms. A little preparation can go a long way. Keep these tips in mind:
- Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in bathroom outlets and other similar areas to guard against electrical shocks.
- Protect electronic equipment and appliances by using surge protectors or unplugging valuable electronics.
- Cover unused electrical outlets with plain caps/covers to discourage children from playing with or plugging anything into an electrical outlet.
- Avoid using plugged-in appliances, such as a hair dryer, when standing on a damp floor or in a wet bathtub or shower.
- Unplug appliances before making repairs to them.
- Check for frayed or damaged electrical cords and never staple or nail them in place.
- Avoid overloading an outlet or circuit in your home, such as with holiday lights.
- Learn how to replace a blown fuse or reset a tripped breaker if you have a fuse box or circuit breaker. For fused circuits, try to keep a supply of extra fuses handy and never try to override a blown fuse, which can cause electrical damage or a fire.
- Exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Keep lit candles away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended.
- Keep an emergency storm kit handy with a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio and bottled water.
- Charge any mobile devices or tablets if a storm is approaching and have them on standby.