Rhode Island Home Insurance Tips: 8 Ways to Protect Against Electrical Fires

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your home insurance policy cost down is to take safety precautions in your home. Here are 8 ways to protect your home against electrical fires:

• Use a power strip instead of an extension cord in an electric socket when you need to plug in a lot of things.

• Never run electrical cords under “areas of wear” such as rugs, over nails, or in traffic areas.

• Never use a standard extension cord for a major appliance or a heat-producing appliance; instead, use a heavy-duty extension cord.

• Choose only electrical devices that carry the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) rating.

• Don't yank plugs out of the electric socket – you could bend the prongs and up the chances of it becoming dangerous.

• Replace any cord or plug that is cracked, discolored, or feels hot to the touch when in use.

• If your lights flicker and/or appliances run slowly, or if you have a fuse that repeatedly blows, call an electrician. That means your system is overloaded.

• Don't use a bulb with more wattage than a lamp or fixture is rated to accommodate, or the unit will overheat.

Podmaska Insurance is an independent insurance agency in the Pawtucket, Rhode Island area. To learn more about Pawtucket, Cranston, Johnston, and Providence home insurance, contact them today.