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How to Avoid Electrical Hazards in Your Backyard

Pauline Hammerbeck — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:03:35 +0000

Memorial Day kicks off the summer season for many homeowners. And, chances are, this will be the beginning of many weekends spent barbecuing, enjoying a backyard swim or just doing yard work, home maintenance, landscaping and other projects outdoors. But whether you're taking a dip in the pool or planting flowers, it's important to remember that you are surrounded by electricity and that outdoor electrical safety shouldn't be overlooked. Here are some electrical safety precautions to consider when you're out in the back yard.

Pools and Electrical Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical hazards in and around swimming pools were to blame for 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks over the past 13 years. The CPSC, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, has compiled the following electrical safety tips for preventing backyard fires, or any other potentially dangerous or life-threatening electrical situations that may occur.

Inspections. Before the warm weather arrives, have an electrician inspect the pool, spa or hot tub. Make sure all the equipment is in accordance with both the local codes and the National Electrical Code. Follow up with any necessary upgrades or repairs.
Locations. According to the NEC, all electrical wires and junction boxes need to be at least five feet away from the water. It is also important to know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
Battery-operated devices. Having electronics around the pool can be dangerous. The CPSC recommends you use battery-operated devices around water instead of cord-connected devices.
Emergency plan. Have a detailed emergency plan posted around the pool, spa or hot tub area. This plan should outline the necessary course of action you should take if someone is suffering from an electric shock.
Weather ready. Do not swim or hang out near the water before, during or after a thunderstorm. Water and lightning are a dangerous combination.

Outlets, Power Tools and Electrical Cord Safety

The CPSC recommends an annual check of outdoor electrical equipment, including:

Outlets. Check that each outlet has its own weatherproof outlet cover, and keep it closed when not in use. Also, make sure each outlet is powered by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which turns itself off if it senses a current leak or a short circuit. If you must use an outlet during wet weather, the CPSC suggests a "weatherproof while in use" cover, which keeps an outlet covered even when a cord is plugged in.
Electric garden tools. Avoid using corded power tools in wet or damp locations, advises the CPSC. The agency also suggests checking all tools for cord damage, such as cracks or exposed wires, and to make sure they are in good condition and operating properly. Use tools with insulated grips to avoid the potential of electric shock.
Extension cords. Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use; indoor cords can't withstand the weather conditions when they're used outdoors, and may become a fire or shock hazard. An estimated 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, according to the CPSC, so electrical cord safety precautions make good sense.

Tree Trimming and Landscaping Safety

Most experts advise leaving tree trimming to the professionals, particularly when the tree and its limbs are anywhere near a power line. But if you do plan to do some trimming, here are some safety reminders from the Electrical Safety Foundation International:

Always look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure it won't come within 10 feet of a power line, says the Electrical Safety Foundation International; you do not have to touch a power line to be in danger.
Use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors; metal ladders conduct electricity.
Do not climb with tools in your hands, and be sure to wear safety equipment at all times.
Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.

And an important general landscaping reminder: Call 811 before you begin any digging project. A federally mandated national number, 811 will connect you with a local call center that sends out a crew to identify underground utility lines. It's really the best way to make sure you don't inadvertently dig into one while planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool. Good electrical safety habits can help you to make sure your family, friends and neighbors are safe and free to enjoy a little outdoors time in your back yard this season. You might also like:

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

Pain in the Drain: The Holidays Can Be Tough on Your Plumbing

Roy Spencer, Perma-Seal — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:00:54 +0000

By Roy Spencer, Perma-Seal The winter holidays are certainly a festive time for many homeowners, but they can also be a particularly tough time for your plumbing and sewer lines. The incorrect disposal of cooking grease, overuse of garbage disposals and improper or excessive disposal of paper waste can resulted in clogged drains and are frequent culprits of pipe-clogging sewer problems during this time of year. If you don’t catch a blockage in time, your household plumbing systems can become inoperable and, what’s worse, raw sewage can back up through toilets, tubs and sinks into your home. Here’s how to avoid trouble with your sewer lines this holiday season:

Never pour oil down a drain.

Baking, frying and roasting can result in beautiful holiday dinners, but also in excess coking oils, grease and fats that need disposal. Rather than pour them down a drain, put cooled fats and oils into a garbage bag or into a sealed container before disposing in the trash. Even small amounts of grease can cause a problem. Some municipalities have collection services for large amounts of used cooking oils.

Take care with table scraps.

Rather than use a garbage disposal, many plumbing professionals advise disposing of table scraps directly into the garbage (stringy celery stalks and potato peels seem to be a particular challenge for disposal systems). Also, use drain baskets and strainers in the sink to catch smaller food items that are rinsed from plates and utensils. You may want to consider collecting vegetable and fruit scraps for use in a backyard composting pile.

Don’t flush anything but toilet paper.

Remind any visitors or overnight guests that they should never flush paper towels, sanitary products or wet wipes (even those labeled as “flushable”) down a toilet. Have a waste basket at the ready in every bathroom, and make sure to frequently empty it so guests have easy access. Even with these preventative measures, sewer lines can become clogged over time, from debris and grease buildup and external factors like tree roots. They can even crack, collapse or shift due to moving soil or other natural elements. That’s why it is also important to perform routine maintenance on your sewer line. A professional can perform a sewer camera inspection and determine the condition of your line, and clear it of any debris; they can even replace the line if there are signs of a major problem. Reputable companies will typically provide you with a DVD of the inspection so you can see the actual blockage. So don’t wait until you’re entertaining this holiday season and have to deal with the grimy problem of a clogged sewer line. A bit of kitchen prep savvy and a little preventive maintenance can help prevent water damage from your plumbing system and save you thousands of dollars in repairs—and a world of headaches. Roy Spencer is the founder and president of Perma-Seal. Recommended by the editors: • 5 Unexpected Home Maintenance Costs • How to Protect Your Basement from Sewer Backup • Digital DIY: Fixing Your Faucet Via Text