Winter Storm Electrical Safety

With the severe weather characteristic of winter comes the threat of electrical hazards caused by downed power lines, power outages, and coastal flooding. ESFI is cautioning the public that electrical dangers associated with downed power lines, portable generators, and submerged electrical equipment can still cause injuries and deaths once a snow or ice storm has […]

P.I. Plug’s 4 Seasons of Safety Tour

Everyone’s favorite Safety Detective, Private I. Plug, invites you to join him for an exclusive viewing of his 4 Seasons of Safety Tour.  He’s sniffing out dangers and learning about fire and electrical safety during all 4 seasons of the year, and he could definitely use some help.  Enjoy the show! 

4 Seasons of Safety Toolkit

Why 4 Seasons of Safety? Each season has unique fire and electrical dangers that are related to common seasonal activities. By using the many helpful tips, lessons and activities included in this Toolkit periodically throughout the year, you can help your students learn to identify and prevent hazards associated with each of the seasons. Using […]

4 Seasons of Safety Classroom Poster

Each season has unique fire and electrical dangers that are related to common seasonal activities. Display this colorful poster in your classroom as a reminder of the steps everyone can take to stay safe all year long. This poster can be used together with the many helpful tips, lessons and activities included in the 4 […]

Tornado Electrical Safety

To be prepared for a tornado, it is critical to be familiar with tornado warning signs.  Although tornadoes vary greatly in their appearance and provide little or no warning, the following signs can indicate that a tornado could be imminent.  A dark, often greenish sky.  A wall cloud, particularly if it is rotating.  Large hail. […]

Don’t Shock the Neighborhood

Don’t operate your generator without a transfer switch Transfer switches isolate utility power and generator power to prevent backfeeding, which can be deadly. Backfeed can follow wires and harm those nearby, including utility workers making repairs. Transfer switches also protect the home from electrical fires caused by short circuits and improper connections. Transfer switches should […]

Portable Generator Safety – Generate Safety

Before use, learn about the potential dangers associated with portable generators, such as their production of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless poisonous gas that is called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of technology like CO alarms. Follow these tips to generate power AND safety […]

Flood Electrical Safety: High Water, High Stakes

Flooding can occur anywhere, but water and electricity don’t mix. Because electrical hazards may linger after flood waters recede, it’s important to take precautions before, during, and after flooding takes place. Know the Danger On average, more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other severe weather related hazard. In the past […]

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Prevent Electrical Fires

What is an Arc-Fault? An Arc-Fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arc-faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages a wire behind a wall, or when outlets or circuits are compromised. Why do I need Arc-Fault Protection? […]

Don’t Overload Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 47,700 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions each year. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not […]

What is a Tamper Resistant Receptacle?

TRRs resemble regular receptacles but they’re so much more.  In fact, they provide a permanent solution to childhood shock caused by tampering with electrical outlets. TRRs feature built in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle. TRRs required by the National Electrical Code since 2008 Internal shutters block foreign objects […]