Light It Up Electric Blog
Smoke Detectors
Posted By: Natasha Guernsey on February 2, 2013
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Time To Get Those Batteries Changed or Units Replaced!
Do you need all new batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Or if your units are old or defective it may be time to replace them. |
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It’s that time again. Time to replace all the batteries in the Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are the first lines of defense against smoke and fire to help protect your family. They may awaken those who would otherwise have been overcome by smoke and toxic gases in their sleep. And most importantly, they provide an early warning alerting individuals of a fire, allowing them precious time to escape to safety.
If your smoke detector unit is old or not working properly, it maybe time to replace the units. One reason is that dust and insects can collect in the sensing chamber of the alarm. An accumulation of dust in the sensing chamber can cause the unit to chirp. It is good practice to clean the smoke alarm when you change the battery. But if the unit can not be cleaned it should be replaced for safety. |
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Electrical Emergencies – How To Respond
Posted By: Natasha Guernsey on November 11, 2012
Electricity has become very important to our society, but it can be very dangerous, and even deadly. I found this post about electrical emergencies – how to respond…
Did you know that a 6-watt light night light carries enough current to be fatal?
“Electrocutions rank FOURTH (9%) in causes of industrial FATALITIES (behind traffic, violence and construction). The National Safety council estimates 600 people die every year of electrical causes. Most of these accidents involve low voltage (600 volts or less).
Roughly 3,600 disabling electrical contact injuries occur every year in the United States, along with another 4,000 non-disabling injuries.”
In case of accidental shock, don’t touch the person, don’t use anything conductive to get the person free and don’t touch anyone who has become grounded.
Call for 911 for help if the person is unconscious, confused, has slurred or slow speach, or has burns or lacerations.
If the situation calls for it, turn the power off, get help if needed. Move the victim to safety if no back or neck injuries are possible. If you are trained give necessary first aid. If unconscious turn the victim on his/her side, keep the person lying down, cover the person to maintain body heat and stay with the person until help arrives.
Many symptoms of being shocked are delayed, it is important to go to a medical facility for evaluation.
Read the entire article here http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/modules/electric/Emergency.htm
See More Articles About Electrical Safety
When you are ready to talk about your electrical needs for you home we would love to help. Learn more about us and get a coupon.
Home Electricity Safety for Children
Posted By: Natasha Guernsey on August 8, 2012
We want your children to be super safe with electricity. Here are a few really good precautions to teach young children so that they can be safe with electricity..
Hair dryers and water can be very dangerous! Never use a hair dryer near water and never place a hair dryer in water. If you see a hair dryer or any other electrical appliance in or near water, stay away and go tell your parents or an adult!
Only electrical plugs should be put into electrical outlets. Never place anything else into an electrical socket, it may shock you or start a fire! Check with your parents or an adult before plugging anything into an electrical outlet.
Flying a kite near any kind of overhead wires is very dangerous! The overhead wires could shock the kite, the electricity would then travel down the kite’s string and shock you! Before you fly a kite ask your parents or an adult if it is safe to fly the kite in that area.
Never put a fork or anything else into the toaster to get the toast out. The fork can take electricity from the toaster and shock you! If there is something stuck inside the toaster, unplug it and go get your parents or an adult for help.
Never put anything on top of an electrical cord. Placing objects on top of power cords can damage them, causing power shortages or even fires!
Never put anything on top of or inside a lamp shade. Lamps use electricity to make light and can get very hot! If things get to close to a hot lamp they can catch on fire! The lamp shade acts as the lamp’s safety zone. Nothing should be inside this safety zone.
Pulling the toy by the power cord can damage the toy’s electrical system by breaking the connection where the cord meets the toy and cause danger when it is plugged in! If any toy looks like it has a broken power cord, don’t plug it in! You may get shocked if you do! Take the toy to your parents or an adult to have them make sure the toy is safe to play with.
When you are ready to talk about your electrical needs for you home we would love to help. Learn more about us and get a coupon.
Safety During An Electrical Storm
Posted By: Natasha Guernsey on July 7, 2012
Electrical Storms can pose danger, especially if you are caught outside when one hits. But, there are quite a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family, including your pets. The following are some frequently asked questions about safety during an electrical storm from The Electrical Safety Foundation International.
I found the questions and the answers to be very valuable, and the answers especially practical and useful. We want you to be safe with electricity and here’s some help in that direction.
What should I do if I am caught outside during a lightning storm?
Move to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest available object, so get down low in a crouched position if you are in an exposed area.
Stay away from trees.
Avoid metal. Don’t hold onto metal items like bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets, or tools. Stay away from metal sheds, clotheslines, poles, and fences.
Stay away from water, including pools, lakes, puddles, and anything damp – like grass.
Don’t stand close to other people. Spread out.
Is there any sort of warning before lightning strikes?
Not necessarily, but sometimes. If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Do not lie down. Instead, crouch down, tuck your head, and cover your ears.
What should I do if I encounter a lightning storm while driving in my car?
Slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area.
Am I safer in or out of my car?
Do not leave your vehicle during a thunderstorm. A vehicle is considered safe during a thunderstorm if it is fully enclosed with a metal top such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. While inside a safe vehicle do not use electronic devices, such as radio communications.
The storm is still raging outside. Are we safe from lightning if we stay inside the house?
Follow these indoor lightning safety tips to help keep your family safe inside while it’s storming outside:
To avoid lightning strikes, stay away from windows and doors.
If possible, unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms.
Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
Can I talk on the telephone during an electrical storm?
Use corded telephones only for emergencies. You can use cordless or cellular phones.
I have an outside dog. Is it okay to leave him out there during a lightning storm?
Doghouses are not lightning-safe and chained animals can easily become victims of lightning strikes. You should bring your pets inside to protect them.
For help with all your electricity needs please call us, we are available and would love to be of service.
Electrical Fire Safety
Posted By: Natasha Guernsey on July 7, 2012
I found this post about electrical fire safety on the US Fire Safety Website, it is full of great information. With this powerful information you can help prevent loss of life and property as a result of electrical fires. In addition to calling Light It Up Electric for an electrical troubleshooting visit there are quite a few things you can do to help prevent fires in your home.
“Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.”
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.
The Problem
During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses. About half of all residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.
December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. The bedroom is the leading area of fire origin for residential building electrical fires. However, electrical fires that begin in the living room/family room/den areas result in the most deaths.
The Cause
Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.
Light fixtures and lamps/light bulbs are also leading causes of electrical fires.
Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.Safety Precautions
Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Don’t allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.
Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets.
Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Light It Up Electric is highly experienced in commercial and residential electrical service and repair. We proudly serve Frisco, Allen, McKinney and the surrounding area. As a member of the Better Business Bureau, we treat our customers as if they were members of our own family, and family safety is one of the most important parts of our business.
