Photo: Electrical Safety Foundation International
Arlington, VA — Aiming to promote electrical safety among people who are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Electrical Safety Foundation International has published an infographic.
According to ESFI, more than 35,000 residential fires occur annually, resulting in more than 1,100 injuries, 500 deaths and $1.4 billion in property damage.
“Transitioning from working in an office to now working from home may present new electrical safety concerns in your home that have not existed before,” ESFI President Brett Brenner said in a press release.
The foundation’s recommendations include:
- Don’t overload outlets.
- Unplug appliances that are not in use to save energy and mitigate the risk of shock and fire.
- Regularly inspect electrical and extension cords for damage. Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.
- Never run cords under rugs, carpets, doors or windows. Make sure cords don’t become tripping hazards.
- Keep papers and other possibly combustible items at least 3 feet away from space heaters and heat sources. Don’t plug space heaters or fans into an extension cord or power strip.
- Use proper wattage for lamps and lighting.
- Test your home’s smoke alarms monthly, change their batteries annually and replace units every 10 years.