News Release
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Electrical fires top the list of causes for house fires in Canada. To mark the importance of Fire Prevention Week, Hydro One is reminding your audience to take actions around the home that could help prevent an electrical fire.
• Keep electrical cords away from heat and water as they can both damage the insulation and create a shock hazard.
• When you're changing a light bulb, be sure to turn off the switch or circuit.
• Put safety caps on any unused electrical outlets, especially if there are young children in the house.
• Inspect cords and plugs. Make it part of your routine prior to using a tool or an appliance. Replace electrical cords that have cut, broken or cracked insulation and remember to pull the plug, not the cord to extend the life of the cord itself.
• Avoid octopus outlets! Clusters of wires and plugs can be a fire hazard along with using extension cords as permanent wiring. These products were never meant to be used that way so consider up-dating the wiring in your home.
• Buy appliances approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and always disconnect small appliances before cleaning them.
• If you’re renovating this fall, remember all electrical work must be inspected and approved by the Electrical Safety Authority. This inspection must be done prior to covering any wiring with drywall or any other wall/ceiling materials.
• Have a qualified electrician look at your electrical supply, panel and wiring to determine what alterations or additions will be required for your renovation and make arrangements for an electrical inspection.
• In the market for a new home this fall? Then an electrical inspection should be high on your list prior to signing on the dotted line. Not only do you want to ensure that the home is safe but you also want to know upfront if up-dates to the home’s wiring are required to bring it up to code.
Customers can get more information on the programs mentioned above along with additional energy savings tips by visiting http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/StaySafe/Pages/StayingSafe.aspx.
