When you think of things that are strong conductors of electricity, power lines, wires and metals likely come to mind. Surprisingly, the human body can also be an excellent electricity conductor, and when electric currents hit the body some types of injuries may occur.
The body may go into cardiac arrest because of the electricity's effect on the heart; muscle, nerves and tissue can be damaged due to the current; or thermal burns can occur if the body contacts an electrical source.
SHOCK YOU LIKE AN ELECTRIC EEL
The severity of the injuries depends on a collection of factors (the voltage of electricity, the person's state of health, how the current travels through the body and how speedily curative help is received), but, agreeing to the National Institutes of Health, some 1,000 population die in the United States each year because of electric shock.
Fortunately, you and your loved ones can dramatically sacrifice the risks if you are aware of top electrocution threats in and around your home and take the simple measures to preclude them:
1. Extension cords. These handy tools can cause electrical burns and shock if they're not used carefully. Cords that have exposed wires should never be used, as kids and pets can (and will) chew on them if they can get them. In fact, electrical burns to the mouth list for half of the extension-cord-related injuries to young children, agreeing to the U.S. Buyer stock security Commission (Cpsc).
Even an intact Extension cord poses a risk. For instance, in one case a 15-month-old girl put an Extension cord in her mouth and suffered electrical burns that required surgery.
To sacrifice the risks, keep Extension cords out of reach of kids and pets, and always purchase cords that have the Ul and Osha labels on them (these cords have been subjected to definite tests to ensure they meet certain security standards). Further, use common sense measures to be sure the cords are in good shape, including:
* discover them usually for signs of wear and tear.
* Replace old Extension cords that are cracked or frayed.
* Only use exterior Extension cords for exterior use.
* Don't overload cords or sockets.
* Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting it from the socket
* Only use Extension cords when they're really necessary, and try not to use them for long-term purposes.
2. Electrical outlets. Most electrical outlets are settled in areas of the home that children can really reach. Close to 4,000 injuries connected with electrical outlets are treated in U.S. Emergency rooms every year, says the Cpsc, and about one-third of these occur when kids looking to discover insert metal objects like keys and hairpins into the outlets.
Since you can't move your outlets away from your kids, it's imperative to cover your outlets with the Sliding Decora Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring two screws, as in most newer homes) or the appropriate Sliding Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring only one screw in the middle, as in most older homes.)
If you routinely have kids in your home, check out these simple, inexpensive but ingenious outlet covers by clicking on either link above! These easy-to-install outlet covers are spring activated, so they automatically cover outlets when any plug is removed. This means kids can't insert objects or fingers into the outlets at any time!
It's important to only insert appropriate plugs into electrical outlets (any other object poses an electrocution danger) and use caution when you do, such as being true not to touch the metal prongs when inserting the plug.
3. Electric appliances. We come to be so accustomed to using electric appliances in our daily lives that it's easy to come to be careless with their use. This is often when electrocution can occur. Even touching an electric appliance like a hair dryer with wet hands can cause a shock. Here are some other security tips to keep safe around electric appliances:
* Don't use electric appliances near water or while touching faucets or water pipes.
* Don't use appliances that have worn plugs or cracked wires.
* Don't exertion to fix electrical appliances on your own, even if it appears simple.
* Unplug appliances when they're not in use.
4. Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Spas. The common risk that comes along with swimming pools and hot tubs is drowning, but the American Red Cross points out another, often overlooked, risk -- electrocution. agreeing to Cpsc, the biggest risks of electrocution here come from faulty underwater lighting, aging electrical wiring, sump pumps, power washers and vacuums that are not grounded, and electrical appliances and Extension cords that fall into the water. The risk is especially apparent if lighting and circuits aren't protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (Gfcis), which are one of the best ways to preclude electrocution, Cpsc says.
According to Hal Stratton of Cpsc, "The best security for families is inspection, detection, and correction of electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Cpsc strongly encourages residential and market pool owners and operators to upgrade security of the lights, receptacles, and switches with Gfcis. Older pools are the biggest concern, as underwater lighting fixtures may have degraded with age and may not be protected by Gfcis."
5. Power Lines. High-voltage overhead power lines can pose a risk to population on ladders or other lifts. Says Thomas Moore of Cpsc, "Cpsc believes that there are still many electrocution deaths that could be prevented. Consumers should never place a ladder, antenna, or whatever else near a power line. Consumers who come in touch with an overhead power line may not live to share their experience."
Further, wires from a downed power line can also be deadly. Never go near a power line that is down, such as after a storm, as live wires can be present long after the pole falls (until the electricity has been turned off). population have also died after stunning an electrical pole in a car Emergency and having the live wires touch the car.
6. Lightning. Lightning and thunderstorms are most likely to occur on hot and humid days. If you sense a storm approaching, seek shelter indoors immediately, as lightning can cause serious injury, particularly to those who are stranded exterior without permissible protection. agreeing to Dawna L. Cyr and Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D. From the University of Maine, lightning can injure or kill population in five ways:
1. through a direct attack that causes cardiac arrest or stops breathing.
2. A side-flash, in which the body acts as an alternate or parallel path for the current to reach the ground. If the current passes through the head or heart it can be deadly.
3. Current from a lightning flash, fluctuating from tingling shock to a heavy current, can be diverted from a poorly grounded electric power pole through a wiring system.
4. Step voltage can radiate out through the ground from a struck tree or pole (this kills many livestock each year).
5. Indirectly, through fires, fallen trees or crushed cars.
During a lightning storm, avoid tall, isolated objects, don't exertion to touch any fallen wires, and if you are struck by lightning be sure to seek curative attentiveness even if the injury seems minor.
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Six Things Not to Do to an Electrocution Victim
If you are with man who is electrocuted, here is what Not to do, agreeing to the National Institutes of Health:
* Do Not touch the victim with your bare hands if the man is still in touch with the source of electricity.
* Do Not take off dead skin or break blisters if the man is burned.
* Do Not apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fluffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn.
* Do Not touch the skin of man who is being electrocuted.
* Do Not get within 20 feet of man who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current until the power is turned off.
* Do Not move a victim of electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.
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Sources
Star-Telegram.com March 30, 2005
Electrical outlet Safety
Extension Cord Basics
Cpsc: Don't Swim With Shocks
University of Maine: Lightning Safety
Cpsc: Electrocution Dangers From Overhead Power Lines
National Library of Medicine: Electrical Injury
Electrocution: The Six Top Danger Points and How to Avoid Them
SHOCK YOU LIKE AN ELECTRIC EEL
