Many households are gearing up for Valentine’s Day this month. The stores have been filled with pink and red since after Christmas, and the kids have already filled out their Valentine cards for the class party.
This is the month when many couples like to take some time to have an evening out to dinner or, to celebrate at home with friends and family.
But, there is another (less well-known) holiday that happens in February – and, we invite you and your family to participate!
February is National Electrical Safety Month ~ and, the entire month is dedicated to campaigns that help create awareness about how to be safe with electricity in your home. It is important to use electricity safely in your home during all months of the year. But, February is the month when you can find some very specific and helpful information on how to do just that.
Because the number one cause of house fires each year is electricity, the National Fire Protection Association has published these tips:
- If you have small children in your home, make sure that you have child-proofed the home and have the outlets plugged. This will go a long way to protect your children but, also protect your electrical outlets, and your home from fire.
- If you find the need to use an extension cord inside of your home, contact a professional electrical to see about adding an outlet. Extension cords should never be used as permanent electricity.
- If you notice your lights flickering or dimming all the time, contact a qualified electrician to inspect your electricity and make sure there isn’t a more serious problem.
- A wall that is discolored or warm should be inspected right away.
- Do not use light bulbs that are greater wattage that the wattage for your lighting or light fixtures.
Never keep electrical appliances in the bathroom. Things like radios and alarm clocks should be kept in the bedroom or, closet but never left in the bathroom. It is too easy for an electrical appliance to be accidentally pulled or knocked into the sink while the water is running.