Each year, there are many reports of fires, explosions, and other accidents related to electricity in homes. Electricity can be very dangerous, but there are measures you can take to avoid terrible incidents. 

The licensed electricians at Shaffer Electric in Wilton, CA, have seven helpful tips on how to keep your home safe from electricity-related issues:

• Clear Away Cords: Avoid running cords or electrical wires beneath a carpet or through a doorway. Keeping them out of areas with heavy foot traffic makes it less likely people will trip on them and suffer damage or injury.

• Repair Or Replace: If an electrical cord has become loose or damaged, have it fixed or replaced immediately. Even if it doesn’t seem to be causing a problem, it’s not worth the risk.

• Add Outlets: Instead of overloading outlets or using extension cords, have a licensed electrician install more outlets and circuits.

• Read Warnings: Always follow the instructions and be aware of the voltage requirements when plugging in a new appliance or electrical item.

• Watch For Red Flags: If an outlet or an electrical switch feels unusually warm, or if lights flicker excessively, contact a licensed electrician immediately. 

• Properly Locate Lamps: Lamps should sit on a level surface and be located far from anything that could melt or burn. A hot bulb against a flammable material can cause a fire, so don’t drape scarves over a lamp for ambiance.

• Install Safeguards: Hire a professional electrician to install arc-fault circuit interrupters, which break the circuit and interrupt power if they detect a hazardous electrical arc. 

The licensed electricians at Shaffer Electric can help with all the precautions necessary to make your home safe. They also offer a multitude of other residential and commercial electric services, including lighting design, outdoor wiring and panel upgrades. 

Contact Shaffer Electric at (916) 806-7555 or send them an email to find out more about their services and prices, as well as any safety or electrical questions.