There's no place like home… By Terry Ozburn A saying we have heard and most likely have said at one time or another is that "April showers bring May flowers". Although May does promote beautiful flowers, it also brings us NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH. Everyday, everywhere individuals should be aware of electrical safety. Even more so in our homes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, statistics indicate there are 40,000 residential fires annually which are caused by problems with electrical wiring systems, claiming more than 350 lives, causing thousands of injuries from electric shocks and burns and resulting in more than $2 billion in personal property damage. Just from electrical outlets alone, over 2000 children are seriously injured and treated in hospital emergency rooms annually. It's estimated that 10 times that number go unreported. In addition, electrical outlets are involved in 5300 fires each year. Electric drop cords and plugs were involved in about 7,100 fires resulting in 120 deaths or about 32% of all deaths associated with residential electrical system fires, occurring each year. By comparison, lamps and light fixtures were involved in about 8,900 fires and 60 deaths; switches and outlets are involved in 4,700 fires and deaths. In addition, about 3,600 people are treated for injuries associated with extension cords. There are many other statistics that could be quoted, so I'll just stop here and let you know some things you as a consumer can do to protect your home and family from electrical - related accidents. Here is just "small" list that homeowners can perform. Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded. Examine electrical cords for damages or fraying and remove any that may placed under rugs, carpet, etc. Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps. $-TIP-$: Always purchase 130 volt bulbs, "not 120 volt", if you want to stop changing them so often. The voltage will be written on the bulb. (this one tip is worth the price of admission…) Strongly consider having ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault breakers installed. If you have any in your home now you need to test them once a month or after every electrical storm. Maybe one of the most important one is take time to test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries annually. Always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions. Due to the lack of space and time for the present I'll stop here. Let me ask, when you flipped the switch to turn on a light in your home lately, did you think about how wonderful our lives are, "or" did you just take it for granted. Our lives have become so convenient we may be prone to overlook unsafe electrical situations. Just to sum it all up, safety starts with you. Please don't neglect the safety of you and your loved ones and remember," there's no place like home." For information on how to receive a free Electrical Safety Information Packet or to ask any questions, you may contact me through e-mail @ terry@ozelec.com or by phone @\ 770-784-1618.

Ozburn Electrical, Inc. P.O. Box 230 Covington, Georgia 30015 770-784-1618 terry@ozelec.com

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