GAHANNA, Ohio, October 9, 2023 — This National Fire Prevention Week, AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, wants customers to stay safe around electricity and be aware of potential dangers in their homes. Electrical hazards are a leading cause of house fires. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the following tips:
Know bad wiring warning signs
Improperly installed or damaged wiring can pose a significant fire risk. Call a licensed electrician immediately if you notice any of these possible early indications of wiring issues:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Repeatedly blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
- Switches or outlets that are
- Discolored
- Hot to the touch
- Or emit a burning plastic smell
Leave it to the professionals
There are some things you shouldn’t DIY. To reduce the risk of electrical fires:
- Never attempt to splice or reattach wires.
- Do not begin a remodeling project that involves hammering or drilling into walls without first consulting an electrician.
- Do not install in-wall wiring for lighting, fans, outlets, etc.
Check your cords
Electric currents generate heat, so it’s important to make sure your electrical cords can transport that energy safely. When assessing for potential hazards, be sure to:
- Discard or replace broken or damaged cords.
- Never run cords under carpeting, bedding or other flammable materials.
- Check that cords are not pinched or pressed, such as under a chair or between a bookcase and the wall.
- Never overload your outlets or use extension cords as a replacement for outlets.
- Never splice two cords together.
Change light bulbs carefully
Changing a light bulb seems simple, but doing it incorrectly can be dangerous. Stay safe by keeping the following in mind:
- Turn off the main power source first — turning off the switch doesn't stop electricity from flowing to the fixture.
- Unscrewing a light bulb should be easy. If it’s not, use a thick glove to grip the bulb, being careful not to apply too much pressure when twisting or you may risk shattering the glass.
- Check your lamp or fixture’s power rating to ensure you are using the correct wattage.
To learn more, visit AEPOhio.com/Safety.
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About AEP Ohio
AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. AEP Ohio provides electricity to 1.5 million customers. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at AEPOhio.com.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.6 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with nearly 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including approximately 5,800 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its regulated renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2032. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide.
For more information, visit aep.com.