While the rest of the world is getting ready for the predicted cold wave, Australia is gearing up for another scorching summer. Many will be heading to the beach for fun under the sun and there are many as well who will be staying indoors, in the comfort of their homes with centralised air conditioning to avoid the intense heat of the sun.
Over the summer, widespread fires occur across the country due to several reasons. Some are caused by natural workings and there are some that start from households where electrical safety is neglected.
When it comes to household fires, many homeowners fail to recognise unsafe practices and the presence of fire hazards within their home. Octopus wirings for one have been the cause of many household fires due to overheating; plugging a power board into another power board is a common practice in many households. This is a big no-no according to professional electricians. According to experts, keeping power cables neat and properly plugged in will reduce the possibility of fire in crammed areas behind the TV set.
Other important electrical safety tips are the following:
- Cover those exposed wires. Chewed up cables (because of the dog or improper storage) can either cause a fire or wirings to short circuit and shut down. Either consequence is dangerous or a big hassle, at the very least. Cover those compromised wirings with electrical tape, but if they’re beyond repair, just replace them.
- It’s best to use extension cords temporarily. Long use of extension cords can compromise the quality of the appliances that are connected to them.
- Keep cables out of the way. They should not be where people can easily trip over them, near appliances that heat up or other sources of heat. It’s also safe to keep them away from water sources because water can carry electricity if it comes in contact with an electrical source. People who end up touching the water can get an electric shock.
- Do not conceal wiring under carpets or rugs for aesthetic purposes. The cables can get damaged without anybody noticing, spark and catch fire.
- Any heating device should be unplugged right away after use. Curling irons, flat irons, stoves, et cetera when left on for a really long time can explode.
- Before leaving the house, do a thorough check of the rooms. Make sure that nobody has left anything on. This is also a good energy-saving strategy.
While the rest of the world is getting ready for the predicted cold wave, Australia is gearing up for another scorching summer. Many will be heading to the beach for fun under the sun and there are many as well who would be staying indoors, in the comfort of their homes with centralised air conditioning to avoid the intense heat of the sun.