New for Consumers

Release Date: May 2004

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

There could be a dangerous situation in your house. And it's not the week-old meatloaf in the refrigerator. It's your electrical appliances that may be heating things up.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and it's the perfect time to check for indoor and outdoor electrical hazards. Keep yourself and family safe with a new, free package of publications from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Electrical Safety Foundation International, and the Federal Citizen Information Center.

Unsafe conditions, such as overloaded circuits and the misuse of extension cords and electrical products, cause many injuries in and around the home. Prevent problems by using the handy checklist to conduct a thorough inspection. Get tips on how you can correct potential hazards in just a few minutes. It doesn't take long to move an appliance away from water, check for correct wattage light bulbs, or replace frayed cords.

Electrical accidents can also occur outdoors. When used properly, safety devices, such as circuit breakers, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and three-pronged outlets and plugs, can reduce or prevent hazardous conditions. In addition, read and follow the safety guidelines on common electrical products, such as power tools, grills, and lawnmowers that are used outdoors.

Make your indoor and outdoor life safer this May with the Electrical Safety package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Send your name and address to Electrical Safety , Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Electrical Safety package.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson if you plan to use this release after July 15, 2004
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to samantha.donaldson@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2619

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