Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. joins the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) in recognizing May as National Electric Safety Month. “Electricity plays a vital role in our daily lives, however we should never take it for granted,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. “Residents young and old are reminded to be aware of potential electrical hazards around the home, work, school and play.”

According to ESFI, more than 51,000 fires are caused by home electrical problems each year in the United States, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and $1.3 billion in property damage. “The safety of our employees and customers is the cornerstone of our operations here at Central Hudson, and we encourage every resident to become safety-conscious when it comes to electricity,” said Laurito. “Used properly, electricity is a safe, clean energy source, and taking some common-sense precautions can reduce potential hazards.”

This year’s campaign is to “challenge residents to evaluate the electrical safety of their homes, and to learn more about their electrical systems and devices.” Focus areas include the kitchen, family room, bedroom, and basement. A sample of the recommended safety measures include:

• Keeping stoves and ovens clean, and checking exhaust hood ducts regularly;
• Using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, baths and anywhere near water;
• Keeping extension cords out of high traffic areas, and out from under carpets and across walkways;
• Using the correct bulb wattage in fixtures, as too high a wattage can overheat fixtures and start fires;
• Installing CO and smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area; and
• Labeling circuit breakers and fuses correctly with their amperage and rooms serviced.

More information on electrical safety, including ESFI’s National Electric Safety Month Toolkit, is available in the Safety section at www.CentralHudson.com.

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