Santa’s Secrets to Stay Fire-Free & How To Check Your Outlets and Switches

3 Simple Preventative Measures to Implement NOW

There are three simple things you can do to prevent fires. Stay safe and avoid critical damage to your property by following these helpful tips.

1. Smoke Detector – Is it on and working?

In Canada, over one-third of the fatal preventable house fires did not have a smoke detector installed. Make sure your home has a smoke detector placed in an important area such as the kitchen or living room. Make sure your smoke alarm is being checked regularly and the batteries are being replaced once per year.

2. Own a Fire Extinguisher

In Canada, over one-third of the fatal preventable house fires did not have a smoke detector installed. Make sure your home has a smoke detector placed in an important area such as the kitchen or living room. Additionally, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home in case of a fire. It is also a good idea to plan escape routes for you and your family in the case of a house fire.

3. CHECK YOUR OUTLETS & SWITCHES

This quick and easy outlet and switch check can help you detect any problems before they become a major safety hazard. If you suspect that there is a problem, it’s always best to have a qualified and insured electrician perform an inspection, and complete any necessary repairs. See below for a how-to guide to check up on your property’s electrical maintenance.

If you notice a problem when completing this check-up, call us at 403-452-6606, and we’ll send you a pro to help you ASAP.

Carefully Feel for Heat

Switches and outlets should never be warm to the touch. When outlets are hot, it is often because an installation was not completed professionally. It can also be because there is too much energy demand on an outlet, or possibly a wire has deteriorated, or become loose. This can be a serious fire hazard and it should be fixed ASAP.

Listen Closely

If you happen to hear any clicking, buzzing, or sizzling noises when turning a switch on or off, or while unplugging something from your outlet, then this means that the points where the wires and the switch/outlet make contact are likely dirty or corroded. You will need to replace the unit. It is a good idea to avoid using it until it has been repaired by a professional.

Look Out for Changes

Discolouration of the surface of the outlet is a severe indicator that something is wrong. Faulty wiring or loose connections can cause an arc fault, which is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Small fires can cause the surface of the outlet to char or discolor. If you notice discoloration, call a professional immediately through ONECONTACT at 403-452-6606.

Is It Working?

Make sure your switches and outlets are functioning properly. If it isn’t working, check your circuit breaker to see if any circuits have automatically switched off. Your circuit will switch off when it is overloaded or if there is a short circuit. This happens when there are too many appliances or devices being plugged into the same outlet or circuit, by frayed cords, or by loose connections. You can reset the breaker by pushing the switch to the OFF position, and then back to the ON position. Have a professional come in to fix your electrical system immediately if you continue to experience these problems.

Beware Burning Smells

If you smell a burning scent in your home without an apparent source, there is a chance that it could be coming from your electrical system. Make sure that the smell is not coming from switches or outlets. Turn off your circuit breaker if you believe that the smell is coming from the outlets or switches, call a pro immediately, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Relax!

After following these tips to check your outlets and switches, you can sit back and relax. Treat yourself, and stay safe!

If you notice a problem during your check-up, call us at 403-452-6606, and we’ll send you a pro to help you ASAP.