May is National Electrical Safety Month

Faulty electrical distribution systems, appliances, electrical equipment, and heating and air conditioning systems cause more than 140,000 home fires each year according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires take 860 lives, injure nearly 4,000 and cause approximately $1.3 billion in property damage.

Most of our modern-day conveniences rely on electricity in some capacity, and unless there's an outage, we often take electricity and the dangers associated for granted. You won't see electricity coming, and when it strikes, it can kill, disfigure, or disable. You can keep your home and family safe by promoting safety and awareness in your home, on the job and in the community during May, National Electrical Safety Month.

Homeowners should have their electrical wiring inspected if their homes fall into one of the following categories:

• The home is more than 40 years old.
• The home is more than 10 years old, and has had major renovations, additions or new large appliances.
• You are a new owner of a previously owned home.