Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Public Service Announcement
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, but many people live in homes without them. Hundreds of people, especially seniors, die from unintentional exposure to carbon monoxide, and thousands more die in house fires where there are no working smoke alarms. ESFI created this PSA to ensure that at-risk populations are aware of the […]
In The Right Light – Decorate Your Home Safely During The Holidays
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 860 home fires caused by holiday decorations occur each year. An additional 210 home fires are caused by Christmas trees per year. Follow these steps to ensure you decorate your home safely during the winter holidays. Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations are marked for proper use Outdoor […]
Disaster Safety Pre-Storm Safety and Post-Storm Recovery
Natural disasters leave thousands of consumers without power, and flooding associated with tropical storms and hurricanes often causes severe or permanent damage to electrical equipment. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of rebuilding and renovating safely after a storm to prevent injuries, deaths, and electrical fires. Download […]
Fire Prevention – It’s In Your Hands
From 2010 to 2014, the National Fire Protection Association estimated an average of 45,210 home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction, resulting in an estimated 420 deaths, 1,370 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage each year. Prevention The National Electrical Code has had 15 revisions since 1974, the year the average home was built. Is your home […]
Set The Table For Safety – Holiday Cooking Safety
Whether testing out a new dish or whipping up a family classic, there’s one recipe that should also be included on the menu this holiday season: Safety. Follow this “Recipe for Kitchen Safety” and help this year’s festivities create memories instead of danger. Ingredients for Safety Functioning Smoke Alarms Functioning Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Vigilance Kitchen Timer […]
National Electrical Code: Understanding the Code that Keeps us Safe Video
Electricity is everywhere. It’s the greatest achievement of mankind and it affects every aspect of our lives. As the world becomes interconnected, more and more areas of our lives will soon be powered by electricity. But it isn’t until we lose power that we realize just how much we take electricity for granted. Imagine if […]
Lightning Protection: Preventing a Direct Strike
In the first quarter of 2017 alone, thunderstorms caused a record $5.7 billion in losses, and lightning kills and average of 30 people a year. Learn how to keep you, your family, and property safe from lightning. Lightning is Deadly An average of 22,600 fires were caused by lightning between 2007 and 2011 According to Aon Benfield’s […]
Surge Protection – More than an Accessory
Summary In 2017, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) conducted a survey of electrical designers, planners, and engineers and found that there was a limited understanding of the purpose and effectiveness of surge protection devices. In response to the survey results, ESFI created educational materials to spread awareness of surge protection. An important factor revealed […]
Tamper Resistant Receptacles: Is Your State Keeping Children Safe
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an average of 4,963 injuries caused by electrical receptacles between 2008 and 2016 with the majority of injuries occurring in children under the age of 18. See what version of the National Electrical Code your state is on Common Causes of Injury An average of 2,850 […]
Electric Shock Drowning – Unknown Danger Lurking in the Water
Docks and boats carry sources of electricity. Faulty wiring or the use of damaged electrical cords and other devices can cause the surrounding water to become energized. NEVER swim near a marina or near a boat while it’s running. There is no visible warning to electrified water. Electric current in the water causes the paralysis […]
How to Avoid Electrical Counterfeits
Using qualified electricians and purchasing from reputable distributors and retailers gives you: safety, security, and the backing of the manufacturer. Purchasing Counterfeits Has Consequences Counterfeits Have low-quality components Are unregulated and untested Unsafe and not backed by a manufacturer’s warranty This could lead to identity theft if purchased from a non-reputable vendor Counterfeit’s Unintentional Consequences […]
Qualified Electricians
Not all electricians are the same. All electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician, who: Have 4-5 years of on the job training Is trained and up-to-date on your state’s electrical code Is licensed, insured, and bonded in your state Purchase from reputable retailers and distributors Stand behind their work Can be reached […]