Important Safety Tips

Electricity in the Home

Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.

Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

In homes with small children, electrical outlets should have plastic safety covers.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

Avoid overloading outlets. Consider plugging only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an Licensed Electrician.

When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.

Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

AFCIs (arc-fault circuit-interrupters)
When an electrical switch is opened or closed, an arc, or discharge of electricity across a circuit, occurs. Unintentional arcs can occur at loose connections or where wires or cords have been damaged. Such arcs can lead to high temperatures and sparking, possibly igniting combustibles. AFCIs (arc-fault circuit-interrupters) protect against fire by continuously monitoring the electrical current in a circuit and shutting off the circuit when unintended arcing occurs. These devices are designed to discriminate between unintended arcing and the type of arcing that occurs when a switch is operated.

GFCIs (ground-fault circuit-interrupters)
A ground-fault is an unintentional electrical path between a source of electrical current and a grounded surface. Electrical shock can occur if a person comes into contact with an energized part. GFCIs (ground-fault circuit-interrupters) can greatly reduce the risk of shock by immediately shutting off an electrical circuit when that circuit represents a shock hazard (i.e., a person comes in contact with a faulty appliance together with a grounded surface). GFCIs can be installed in a circuit breaker panelboard or directly in a receptacle outlet.

Facts and figures

AFCI installation is required by the National Electrical Code® (NEC) in bedrooms of new residential construction (effective as of January 1, 2002). Bedrooms were selected as the first area in which to implement this requirement because of a history of fires there.

GFCI installation is required by the NEC for receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas, basements and garages in new residential construction because of a history of shock hazards in these areas.

All AFCIs and GFCIs, whether circuit-type or breaker-type, should be installed by a qualified electrician.

Test AFCIs and GFCIs after installation and once a month thereafter to make sure they are working properly.

Replace defective AFCIs and GFCIs immediately. A defective device may create a false sense of security to those who do not know that it is non-functional.

Heating equipment

Have a licensed professional inspect all heating equipment annually, and clean as necessary.

When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory and is legal for use in your community. (Some communities do not permit portable kerosene heaters, for example.)

Install your stationary (fixed) space heater according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes or better yet, have it installed by a professional.

Plug your electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.

Use the proper grade of the proper fuel for your liquid-fueled space heater, and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.

In your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid the build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that easily catches fire and accounts for most chimney fires and the largest share of home heating fires generally. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use artificial logs in wood stoves.

Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from your home.

Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied or under circumstances when manufacturer’s instructions say they should be turned off. Portable space heaters are so easy to knock over in the dark that they should be turned off when you go to bed, but make sure your primary heating equipment for the bedrooms is sufficient to avoid risks to residents from severe cold.

Do not use your oven to heat your home.

Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside, that the venting is kept clear and unobstructed, and that the exit point is properly sealed around the vent, all of which is to make sure deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in the home.

Test smoke alarms monthly; install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.

Dryer and washing machine safety

Dryers should be installed and serviced by a licensed professional.
Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a licensed professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact.
Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove accumulated lint from around the drum.
Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Turn the dryer off when leaving the home.
Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing).

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

    Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
    Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
    Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
    Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

    Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
    Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
    Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

    Reduce the humidity (see above).
    Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
    Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
    Increase air temperature.

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365 day a year.

616.454.5400

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	Electricity in the Home Safety tips: Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. In homes with small children, electrical outlets should have plastic safety covers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet. Avoid overloading outlets. Consider plugging only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time. If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an Licensed Electrician. When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle. Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage. AFCIs (arc-fault circuit-interrupters) When an electrical switch is opened or closed, an arc, or discharge of electricity across a circuit, occurs. Unintentional arcs can occur at loose connections or where wires or cords have been damaged. Such arcs can lead to high temperatures and sparking, possibly igniting combustibles. AFCIs (arc-fault circuit-interrupters) protect against fire by continuously monitoring the electrical current in a circuit and shutting off the circuit when unintended arcing occurs. These devices are designed to discriminate between unintended arcing and the type of arcing that occurs when a switch is operated. GFCIs (ground-fault circuit-interrupters) A ground-fault is an unintentional electrical path between a source of electrical current and a grounded surface. Electrical shock can occur if a person comes into contact with an energized part. GFCIs (ground-fault circuit-interrupters) can greatly reduce the risk of shock by immediately shutting off an electrical circuit when that circuit represents a shock hazard (i.e., a person comes in contact with a faulty appliance together with a grounded surface). GFCIs can be installed in a circuit breaker panelboard or directly in a receptacle outlet. Facts and figures AFCI installation is required by the National Electrical Code® (NEC) in bedrooms of new residential construction (effective as of January 1, 2002). Bedrooms were selected as the first area in which to implement this requirement because of a history of fires there. GFCI installation is required by the NEC for receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas, basements and garages in new residential construction because of a history of shock hazards in these areas. Safety tips All AFCIs and GFCIs, whether circuit-type or breaker-type, should be installed by a qualified electrician. Test AFCIs and GFCIs after installation and once a month thereafter to make sure they are working properly. Replace defective AFCIs and GFCIs immediately. A defective device may create a false sense of security to those who do not know that it is non-functional. Heating equipment Safety tips: Have a licensed professional inspect all heating equipment annually, and clean as necessary. When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory and is legal for use in your community. (Some communities do not permit portable kerosene heaters, for example.) Install your stationary (fixed) space heater according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes or better yet, have it installed by a professional. Plug your electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord. Use the proper grade of the proper fuel for your liquid-fueled space heater, and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool. In your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid the build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that easily catches fire and accounts for most chimney fires and the largest share of home heating fires generally. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use artificial logs in wood stoves. Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from your home. Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied or under circumstances when manufacturer’s instructions say they should be turned off. Portable space heaters are so easy to knock over in the dark that they should be turned off when you go to bed, but make sure your primary heating equipment for the bedrooms is sufficient to avoid risks to residents from severe cold. Do not use your oven to heat your home. Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside, that the venting is kept clear and unobstructed, and that the exit point is properly sealed around the vent, all of which is to make sure deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in the home. Test smoke alarms monthly; install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area. Dryer and washing machine safety Safety tips Dryers should be installed and serviced by a licensed professional. Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a licensed professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact. Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove accumulated lint from around the drum. Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. Turn the dryer off when leaving the home. Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing). Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Actions that will help to reduce humidity Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.) Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc. Actions that will help prevent condensation Reduce the humidity (see above). Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed. Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. Increase air temperature.


Serving the Community 24 hours a day 365 day a year. 616.454.5400 or click here to contact us by email Send mail to ryan@vanderhyde.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright 2006 Vander Hyde Mechanical