This Month, Make a Plan to Be Safe Everyday

Whether you’re relaxing in your living room or managing a busy storefront, electricity is the invisible force that keeps your day moving—but it’s easy to take for granted until something goes wrong. May is National Electrical Safety Month, the perfect time to step back and evaluate the systems powering your life. In this post, we’re sharing essential safety tips and preventative measures tailored for both homeowners and business owners to help you protect your property, your people, and your peace of mind.

For Homeowners and Renters
Electricity enhances our lives. So does practicing good electrical safety habits. Here are a few tips for National Electrical Safety Month that will serve you well all year.

• According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, arc faults in wiring cause more than 30,000 home fires each year. To help reduce the risk of arcing, you can use Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) breakers and outlets. AFCI breakers replace standard breakers in your electrical panel and monitor the entire circuit for dangerous arcing. AFCI outlets are specialized wall outlets that protect the wiring from that outlet forward and any appliances plugged in.
• Every ten years, have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s electrical system.
• Not enough outlets? Consider an advanced power strip, which provides better protection against surges and fires.
• Extension cords can overheat and are meant for temporary use. Move devices closer to an outlet or unplug the cord when not in use.
• Unplug from the plug, not the cord. Pulling on a cord can lead to frayed wires, broken plugs and a fire hazard.
• Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines when working outdoors.

For Business Owners
A business owner typically has many responsibilities for many people. PSEG Long Island’s most important responsibility is safety, and we encourage you to have that same mindset – for your customers, your employees and yourself. A safe workplace reduces costs and increases productivity. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Exposed wiring and cords with frayed insulation should be removed from service immediately.
• Avoid overloading circuits. Watch for signs of electrical problems, such as dimming lights, discoloration around outlets and frequent circuit breaker trips.
• Ensure that outlets in restrooms, kitchens or any wet or damp environment have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. A GFCI outlet is that specific type of wall plug, usually seen in bathrooms or kitchens that have two small buttons in the middle—usually labeled “TEST” and “RESET.”
• De-energizing equipment that’s being worked on may require a little more time and planning, but it can prevent electrical injuries.
• Always be mindful of overhead power lines. Keep ladders and other equipment at least 10 feet away from lines.
• Call 811 before any project involving digging into the ground. This one free call will alert the owners of underground facilities to mark their locations.