May is Electrical Safety Month

May 1, 2024

Prioritize Safety Year-Round

Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but it is important to practice safety year-round. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable.

Here are five ways to prevent electrical accidents in your home.

Frayed Wires Pose a Safety Hazard

Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle—often by having too many devices running on one circuit.

Use Extension Cords Properly

Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. This creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician.

Modern Wiring for Modern Equipment

Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.

Talk with Your Kids

Children should know how to play it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.

Benton REA’s top priority is providing an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity.

Visit www.BentonREA.org/safety for additional electrical safety tips or if you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or upcoming community event.

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