Some potentially dangerous situations are easy to avoid, like putting candles out before leaving the house or wiping up spills to avoid slipping and falling. Then there are those safety traps that appear harmless but pose serious health and safety risks.

The following tips from Excel Electric are offered to help you ensure added safety for your home and family.

Dirty Rags – Paint thinner, wood stain, and varnish can help you breathe new life into an old piece, but the rags used to apply are highly flammable. Dispose of oily rags by placing them in a metal can filled with water and cover them tightly with a lid.

Electric Blankets – Sure, they can keep you nice and toasty in the winter but if not used properly, electric blankets pose a fire hazard. Keep your electric blanket on its lowest setting, don’t bend the coils, and don’t pile extra blankets or comforters on top. And remember to always turn it off first thing in the morning.

Laptops – Laptops can get hot when in use.  If you’re accustomed to using yours on your bed, sofa, or any soft, flammable surface, laptop computers can overheat and cause a fire. Always use your laptop on a desk or table to keep air flowing through the cooling vents.

Lightbulbs – Using a lightbulb with a wattage that is too high for a light fixture or lamp also can cause an electrical fire. Always double check a fixture’s maximum wattage before installing a light bulb.

Range Hoods – When was the last time you cleaned your vent hood filter? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. Built-up grease can drip onto your cook top and ignite a fire which, in turn, can reach your cabinets and anything else flammable within seconds. Follow your owner’s manual instructions and clean your range hood and vent filter regularly.

DIYs – You can save a lot of money by rolling up your sleeves and tackling some repair and improvement projects yourself. But taking the DIY route with your home’s plumbing, HVAC, or electrical could result in serious damage. If you are not qualified to handle such issues, hire a licensed professional who is.

At Excel Electric, safety is our primary concern. All our installations are performed in compliance with current building codes. Plus, our home electrical inspections often turn up safety hazards that we’re always ready and able to repair. When was the last time your home wiring was inspected for safety and efficiency purposes?  If you can’t recall, now’s a great time to contact Excel Electric for service.