National Electrical Safety Month | 11 Safety Tips for Institutions

As we recognize National Electrical Safety Month, it is important to acknowledge that electrical usage has become a major aspect of our lives, especially with students. Students use electronics for learning, working, and socializing, which has increased even more throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. That being said, these helpful devices can become major risks when used improperly and can lead to electrical hazards.

Here are a few safety tips (provided by SafeElectricity.org) to prevent electrical accidents and fires while living on campus:

• Do not overload extension cords, power strips, or outlets.
• Use power strips with overcurrent protectors. This will shut the power off automatically if there is too much current being drawn.
• Watch out for outlets that get too hot to touch. If an electrical outlet becomes so hot you cannot leave your hand on it, there is potential for a fire. Unplug everything from the outlet and notify landlord or dorm officials immediately.
• Extension cords are for temporary situations only. Extension cords should not be used as a long-term solution when you need another outlet.
• Do not staple extension cords.You might damage the insulation meant to protect you from current and potentially expose a wire that increases the possibility of sparking.
• Look for the UL Mark on any electrical product you use. The UL Mark tells you that your appliance, cord, or device has met Underwriter’s Laboratories rigorous safety requirements.
• Never remove a grounding pin. If you remove the pin in order to plug a three pronged plug into a wall outlet, you are removing the protection meant to keep you safe and can expose you to a tremendous shock hazard.
• If you are lighting with halogen lamps, make sure they meet updated requirements. All halogen lamps must be designed with a mesh guard that forbids contact with the bulb and an automatic tip-over switch.
• If your student is in a location where he or she will be doing some cooking, look for UL-Listed appliances that feature automatic shut-off buttons. This means they will lessen the chance of leaving something brewing or cooking all day.
• Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance into a single outlet. Make sure the appliance cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If they are, get them repaired by a professional.
• Have a UL-Listed fire extinguisher in the dorm room or apartment and know how to use it.

So, how does an institution promote electrical safety tips and/or preventative strategies? Here are a few creative ways:

• Post on your institution's social media.
• Provide safety guidelines to students prior to moving in and require them to read and acknowledge your policies and procedures.
• Promote electrical safety through shared gathering spaces, such as dormitories, classrooms, etc.