Fire and Smoke Damage Experts in Fort Worth present Safety Tips for Extension Cords

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Tis the Season... of extension cords.  

If your home is anything like ours in Fort Worth, you find yourself making use of extension cords.  Lights on the tree, lights on the home, other decorations needing power... the list can expand quickly.  Usually, these items end up plugged into an extension cord, and sometimes the extension cords end up plugged into other extension cords!

All of these cords present a number of hazards - the Fire and Smoke Damage experts of SERVPRO of Lake Worth / Benbrook want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season, so we are offering these safety tips related to extension cords.

• Inspect all cords for damage prior to use. Cords that have exposed wires, frayed or cut insulation, cracked sockets or loose (or missing) prongs should not be used.
• Ensure the cords are designed and rated for the intended use and power load. Indoor/outdoor use, gauge of the cord, gauge of the items plugged into the cord and load through the cord should all be considered.
• Stop using any extension cord that feels hot to the touch - the danger presented by a hot cord is very real.  Unplug any hot cord immediately.
• Avoid pinching cords under doors, windows or heavy furniture. Extension cords are easily compromised if the insulation around the wires in the cord gets damaged.
• Extension cords pose a tripping hazard. Keep them out of walkways, doorways or any high traffic area.
• Do not run extension cords through walls, ceilings or under rugs. This may cause the cord to overheat.
• Extension cords should be a temporary solution - if you are using them year round, you should consider upgrading your electrical system in your home.

Here at SERVPRO of Lake Worth / Benbrook, we use extension cords nearly every week.  Safely using them is something we train on regularly, and being aware of potential hazards is always on our mind.  Keep the safety tips above in mind this holiday season and you should enjoy all of the festive decorations you desire.