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Tips on electrical safety in your home.
Install safety switches.
Ensure all electrical equipment is properly maintained and tested.
Regularly check that powerlines are clear from contact with anything. If trees are almost touching powerlines call Ergon on 13 10 46 and report it.
Find out if your wet areas (bathroom, kitchen and laundry) powerpoints comply with Australian safety standards, particularly if u have a hand held shower hose.
Always use qualified electrical contractors for any electrical job in your home no matter how small.
Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.
Unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms and cyclones.
Never piggy back double adapters. Use a power board with overload reset buttons.
Damaged powerpoints should be covered and replaced urgently.
When cleaning appliances always switch them off before you start.
Always buy ready made leads and extension cords – never make them yourself.
Do not use portable electric appliances while barefoot.
Never allow a handyperson to carry out electrical work in your home, it is dangerous and illegal.
Never touch a person who is receiving an electric shock as it is likely you will be shocked as well. Turn off the power if possible and call 000 for an ambulance.
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Tips on electrical safety for children in your home.
Teach children from a very young age about the dangers of electricity. Make them aware of electrical appliances and ensure they know they are not playthings.
Keep Child Safety Outlet Plugs in all unused powerpoints.
Ensure extension leads are left near wet areas or on the ground near children’s play areas.
Tell your children how to recognise when someone is receiving an electrical shock. Make sure they know not to touch the person and to call 000 for an ambulance.
Ensure your children never:
Take electrical appliances near water particularly pools.
Put knives in appliances or powerpoints.
Leave tea towels or clothes near stoves or heaters.
Take light bulbs out of lamps.
Remember these are just a few tips! There are many things you can do to make your home safe. Two of the most important things you can do is install Safety Switches and Smoke Alarms. For more information on safety visit some of these links.
http://www.eso.qld.gov.au/electricity/index.html
Tips on fire safety in your home.
Install smoke alarms
When smoke alarms sound:
1.Leave immediately, following your family’s escape plan. The Fire Department can help you formulate a plan for your home. You can call them on 1300 369 003.
2.As you leave, don’t open any inside doors without first feeling the surface. If a door is hot, or you see smoke coming through the cracks, do not open the door. Leave through an alternative exit. If you can not open the window you should break it and carefully climb through it being aware for broken glass.
3.If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
4.If the air is smoky, stay as close to the floor as possible.
5.Breathe shallowly through a cloth, which if possible, should be wet.
6.Once outside, go to your pre-selected assembly area and make sure everyone else is there.
7.Call the Fire Department on 000 from a neighbour’s home.
8.Do not return to your home until fire officials give you permission to do so.
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