As you gear up for the Independence Day festivities, it is just as important to plan for electrical safety as it is to figure out who’s bringing which side to the barbecue. The only big booms you want on July 4th are from fireworks and not your circuit breaker. Check out the tips below to help mitigate any potential electrical hazards.

 

• Accompanying the excitement for the annual cookouts and fireworks are massive heatwaves as July 4th draws near. Using your appliances during the cooler parts of the day and unplugging any nonessential appliances when not in use will lower both your energy usage and risk for electrical emergencies.

• When cooling off at the lake or pool, make sure to keep your electrical devices away from water. Keep the fans and radios on shore and away from the waves to avoid being shocked.

• If your grill is electric, make sure to inspect the cord and connections before each use. Ensuring that the everything is working properly will keep any mishaps from occurring in the midst of cooking all the burgers and hot dogs.

• Extension cords are vital for many outdoor activities. Make sure your heavy-duty extension cord is rated for the wattage of devices plugged into it and is placed in low-traffic areas to avoid any tripping.

• A surprising amount of people clear the minimum safety distance for their fireworks but forget to look up and are in danger of shooting fireworks at powerlines. It is important to keep your distance from fireworks after you light them. However, it is just as essential to have a clear space above them. Look up and check before lighting the fuse.

 

Remember to always take the extra few steps to mitigate any potential hazards so the celebrations can occur without incident. We at Wilson & Cofield hope you and your family have a safe and fun time celebrating Independence Day!