Safety Devices
Make your home comfortable and safe. Look into the following items to ensure you and your family are as safe as possible:
Home security system: Make sure it has an backup form of electricity in case of power failure.
Fire extinguisher: Use only a fire extinguisher approved for electrical fire use. A foam type extinguisher or water on an electrical fire could cause you to be electrocuted.
Smoke detector: Test batteries on smoke detectors regularly.
Electrical sockets: Use plug covers with small children to prevent electrocution.
Lighting: Take a look at Outdoor Lighting for Safety and Security [PDF, 152 Kb] for information on how to use energy-efficient lighting to make your home safe and secure.
Install motion detectors around doors and windows. Motion detectors turn on your lights automatically when someone enters a room and off when the room is empty. Occupancy and motion sensors are commonly used for security reasons outside the home to turn lights on when someone is in the yard.
Other controls include:
- Dimmers – control the intensity of light
- Timers – turn lights on or off at preset times
Telephone: Remember that a cordless phone will likely not work during a power outage as it requires electricity to operate. Have an alternative available for emergencies.
Did you know?
It takes 100 milliamps (mA) to run a 100W light bulb. But it only takes 50mA to kill you!
Last Modified: Jan 9, 2012
