IT'S ELECTRIC ... Be Careful Around It! - Hometown Insurance Agency

Source: Utica National Insurance email

Electricity plays a major role in our lives, powering our workplaces and our homes. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work directly with it – on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with it indirectly, but still may be exposed to electrical hazards … that can result in injury, death and significant property loss.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that in 2019 there were 166 fatal electrical injuries and 1900 non-fatal electrical injuries involving days away from work.

In addition, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported 103,600 fires for non-residential buildings in 2018.

8,100 (7.8%) of these fires were electrical
Losses for these 8,100 fires alone totaled $373,400,000

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Review your electrical preventative maintenance and electrical safety programs, and follow these electrical safety tips which could help you avoid fires and injury:

Have electrical work completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable building and safety codes.
Use GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to reduce shock. GFCIs are designed to protect people from hazardous ground faults that can arise from plugging in defective appliances or corded equipment.
Test AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). AFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be installed within all dwelling units.
Inspect extension cords to ensure they are in good condition and NOT running under carpets or in doorways.
Install additional outlets to reduce the use of extension cords.
Use power tools listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Inspect them before use and store all electrical tools indoors.
Ensure your lockout/tagout and arc flash safety procedures are followed when maintaining and servicing electrical equipment.
Train your employees on electrical safety.
Use extreme caution when electrical equipment is being used near flammable liquids.
Trim all tree branches away from power lines or contact your power company to request this service.
Call 811 or visit https://newyork-811.com/ before you dig to identify the location of underground utilities.

Call a qualified electrician if you notice:

Frequent problems with circuits tripping, warm outlets, flickering or dimming lights, sparks from an outlet, or a burning or rubber smell from an appliance.

We care about your home and business! Call your trusted Hometown Insurance Agent to review your home or business insurance today at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) or contact us by email at service@hometowninsurance.com for helpful information.

We work for you!

IT’S ELECTRIC … Be Careful Around It!

8,100 (7.8%) of these fires were electrical

Losses for these 8,100 fires alone totaled $373,400,000

Have electrical work completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable building and safety codes.

Use GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to reduce shock. GFCIs are designed to protect people from hazardous ground faults that can arise from plugging in defective appliances or corded equipment.

Test AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). AFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be installed within all dwelling units.

Inspect extension cords to ensure they are in good condition and NOT running under carpets or in doorways.

Install additional outlets to reduce the use of extension cords.

Use power tools listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Inspect them before use and store all electrical tools indoors.

Ensure your lockout/tagout and arc flash safety procedures are followed when maintaining and servicing electrical equipment.

Train your employees on electrical safety.

Use extreme caution when electrical equipment is being used near flammable liquids.

Trim all tree branches away from power lines or contact your power company to request this service.

Call 811 or visit https://newyork-811.com/ before you dig to identify the location of underground utilities.

Frequent problems with circuits tripping, warm outlets, flickering or dimming lights, sparks from an outlet, or a burning or rubber smell from an appliance.

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