May is National Electrical Safety Month

Electricity has become such a necessary part of our lives that we tend to take it for granted, but using it safely is vitally important. Thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes each year. 
 
An average of 51,000 electrical home structure fires occur each year, claiming almost 500 lives, injuring more than 1,400 people, and causing more than $1.3 billion in property damage (National Fire Protection Association, 2003-2007). In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that nearly 400 people are electrocuted in the U.S. each year.
 
Many electrocutions and home fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and adhering to safe practices. Electrical Safety Foundation International has developed a number of resources to help educate homeowners, consumers, older adults, and children and we will be sharing these with you over the next few weeks.