Electrical Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction cause civilian deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in property damage. Knowing what electric hazards to look for will ensure a safe environment for all.

Here are some essential electrical safety TIPS to apply at CUMC (and at home):

• Check outlets for loose connections and corrosion. Report to Facilities (212-305-HELP, option 3) immediately if there is a problem.
• Do not retrieve electrical products that fall in water.
• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
• The use of extension cords is discouraged. If an extension cord is used, it must bear the UL-approved label and be of adequate wire gauge for the intended use. No frayed or broken cords may be used. Extension cords must be unplugged at night.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you don’t have to use extension cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• Make sure your home has a ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

Knowing what electric hazards to look for will ensure a safe environment for all.