Electricity is one of the most important amenities in a home, but it also poses a significant safety risk if used improperly. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, an estimated 51,000 fires are caused by home electrical problems every year, resulting in over one billion dollars in property damages. As such, pay close attention to your electrical system and take certain precautions to prevent serious injuries and costly homeowners insurance claims. Here are a few tips to help reduce electrical hazards.

How to Protect Your Home From Electrical Mishaps

1. Keep an Eye Out for Worn or Damaged Cords 

Electrical cords should not be cracked, frayed, or have exposed wiring. If you notice any cords that look damaged, replace them right away. To prevent tripping and minimize wear and tear, keep cords out of high-traffic areas and make sure they aren’t placed under carpets or rugs. Instead, position them close to the wall. 

2. Avoid Overloading Your Outlets

In this day and age, it’s common to have numerous appliances and electronic devices around the house. In turn, you must take extra care to make sure you aren’t overloading your electrical outlets. Each circuit has specific load ratings and going over that can lead to power outages, damaged appliances, fire, and other homeowners insurance claims. You should also avoid using extension cords. Instead, have an electrician install more outlets.

3. Check Outlets Periodically 

Check your electrical outlets regularly to make sure they’re not warm to the touch or loose from the wall. Faceplates that are hot can be a sign of trouble, such as melting wires, overloaded circuits, or loose wiring. You also want to look for loose connections between the outlet and your plugs, as this can result in electric arcing. If an outlet no longer holds a plug tightly in place, it should be switched out for a new one.

To ensure you’re adequately protected in the event of a fire, reach out to Fritch Insurance for help reviewing your homeowners insurance options. Serving residents within a 50-mile radius of Beatrice, NE, they offer a variety of coverage solutions at competitive rates and will assist you in securing the right products to safeguard your most valuable asset. Backed by 20 years of industry experience, they understand the importance of customizing policies to fit each client’s unique needs. Call (402) 223-3312 to set up an appointment or visit them online for more information on the carriers they partner with.