Safety Around the Home
Plugging in safely and correctly
Overloading a plug can cause a fire. A multi-plug adaptor will allow you to use as many appliances as
needed without the risk of overheating.
Pulling a plug out by the cord can expose bare wires. Pull it out by gripping the plug itself and make sure the
power is switched off.
Broken plugs or loose wires are dangerous. Always use SABS approved plugs and make sure there are no
loose wires.
Putting electrical wires directly into a socket can cause accidents.
It is dangerous to plug electrical appliances into light sockets. They should only be plugged into wall sockets.
Senior citizens home safety tips
If you are using an extension cord, never let it run under carpets or rugs – place it in a "no-trip" zone.
If the plug you are using has a different number of pins to the electrical outlet, use an adapter that will
accommodate both the plug and the outlet.
To avoid an accident, keep heaters and fans a safe distance from your curtains and furniture – at least 3 feet
away.
Using the correct fuse is important. When you replace a blown fuse, make sure of its size as the wrong one
could cause a fire.
Electricity outlets and switches should always be cool to the touch – if the aren't call a technician to fix it for
you and NEVER touch it yourself.
Unplug any of your small appliances when you are not using them, eg. Toasters, irons, hairdryers.
Do not use electric blankets with loose wires – they could cause a fire or shock. Do not tuck in or squeeze
wires as this is also very dangerous.
Turn your heating pad off before you go to sleep.
Use the specified watt light bulb as indicated on the light fixture.
In case of an accident and your clothes catch fire, don’t panic – ‘DROP’ & ‘ROLL’
General Safety
1. Never change a light bulb without first making sure that the current is switched off.
2. Do not use a fork or a knife or anything that is made of metal to remove toast from a toaster when it is
plugged in.
3. If you see sparks or smoke from an electrical appliance, it is telling you that something is wrong. Unplug it
and call an electrician.
4. Do not work on an electrical appliance unless you know exactly what you are doing and make sure it is not
plugged in.
* Sourced from site: www.eskom.co.za