Inaugural Home Electrical Safety Day Launches October 1 in Ontario
Electrical Safety Authority takes action to prevent shocks occurring in the home
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has designated October 1 as Home Electrical Safety Day, an Ontario-wide day of action to prevent electrical injuries in the home.
With more than 110 kids under 15 ending up in emergency departments across the province each year1 due to electrical injury and more than half of those children under the age of five2, and 60 per cent of Ontarians reporting that they have been shocked3, the ESA is committed helping prevent electrical shocks.
"Research shows that even electrical shocks from low voltage sources, like those from an outlet, can have long-term after effects like memory loss, anxiety and the feeling of pins and needles," says Dr. Joel Moody, Director, Safety Risk, Policy and Innovation at ESA. "The good news is that all shocks can be prevented and with a few changes parents can increase safety in their homes."
In support of Home Electrical Safety Day, the ESA is sharing three simple fixes that can upgrade every space into a safe-zone, particularly for young children:
- Install child-safety outlets (tamper-resistant receptacles). They have shutters that cover the plug slots and help prevent little fingers or objects from going into the outlet.
- Replace missing or broken cover plates. Protecting outlets with covers creates a barrier between people and exposed wires.
- Check your electrical cords for damage or fraying. If a cord is frayed, replace it. Tape doesn't protect from electrical shock.
ESA will be continuing its partnership with Parachute, Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention, to educate more parents on electrical safety in the home. Last year's initiative with Parachute supported three Ontario community programs with resources to inform parents and families, and in some cases, provide replacement cover plates so changes could be made immediately.
"As a national organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives, this partnership with ESA is a natural fit," says Steve Podborski, President and CEO, Parachute. "We support Home Electrical Safety Day and will be working at the grassroots level to educate more families about how to keep their kids safe from electrical shock at home."
Learn more about Home Electrical Safety Day and how to protect yourself and your family from electrical shock by visiting www.esasafe.com/nosafeshock.
About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.
More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at esasafe.com, through https://twitter.com/homeandsafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.
1 |
2016 Ontario Electrical Safety Report |
2 |
2016 Ontario Electrical Safety Report |
3 |
Leger survey of 1,001 Ontarians commissioned by the Electrical Safety Authority; the fieldwork was completed between March 13 and 16, 2017; a probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.6%, 19 times out of 20 |
SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority
Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations, 905-712-7819 or [email protected]
Share this article