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Public Safety

National Electrical Safety Month - May 2008

Electrical Safety- May is National Electrical Safety Month!

Electrical Fires were the 3rd Leading cause of Fire Deaths in Massachusetts in 2006. 579 Electrical Fires Caused 4 Civilian Deaths in Massachusetts in 2006.
Local fire departments reported that there were 579 structure fires caused by electrical problems in Massachusetts in 2006. These fires also caused 75 civilian injuries, 92 service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $26.2 million dollars. The average loss per fire was $45,248.

Tips for Preventing Electrocutions and Shocks

  • Read and follow instructions and safety tips provided with electrical appliances and equipment.
  • Install plastic safety covers in unused receptacles to protect children from shock hazard.
  • When unplugging a cord or appliance from an outlet, pull the plug not the cord. Pulling by the cord can cause damage to the wiring at the connection.
  • Do not defeat polarized plugs (one prong larger than the other) or the third or ground prong.
  • Keep electrical appliance and cords away from water. Keep yourself alive by keeping water and electricity separate.

[1]Risk Watch: Electrical Safety Resources for Kids, Teachers and Parents!

image of a red wrist watch 

[1] The National Fire Protection Association’s Risk Watch program teaches children life safety skills and how to prevent self-injury.

Kids: Check out their kids only website for fun games and activities! http://riskwatch.org/kids.html

Risk Watch also has lesson plan resources for teachers as well as safety information for parents.

Teachers: Go to http://riskwatch.org/teach_electricalsafety.html for electrical safety lessons for grades Pre K- 8th grade.

Parents: Go to http://riskwatch.org/parent.html for helpful tips to keep your family safe.


[1] Risk Watch, its logo, and icons are copyrighted by NFPA.1998. All rights reserved.