As the parent of a baby, your priority is ensuring they are safe. One of the primary things you want to pay attention to is all the electrical appliances around your Waldorf, MD area home. Consider which appliances pose a hazard, and follow these four tips for maximizing your home’s safety. Then head to Lowe’s or Home Depot on Crain Highway to get most of the supplies you’ll need.

Appliances to Consider

When thinking about baby proofing your appliances, you may think of the stove or maybe the refrigerator. However, there’s a host of appliances to consider, then some general guidelines for making them safer. These appliances may include:

• Range and ovens
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Washer and dryer
• Dishwasher
• Coffee maker
• Toaster
• Mixer
• Blender
• Microwave oven
• Toaster oven
• Juicer

Secure Doors

Many of your major appliances have a door, which can itself pose a hazard to your kids. They can easily open the doors and get caught inside or pull something out that can hurt them. The best way to prevent this is to secure the door with an appropriate strap or locking mechanism. Be sure the device you pick up is intended for the particular appliance so that it is resilient against heat or cold and the strain the mechanism will endure.

Consider Cables

Most of your appliances have electrical cables to allow them to work. However, these cables can be unruly and pose a significant hazard to little ones. Kids can get caught up in long cables, posing a strangulation hazard. They can also use the cable to pull countertop appliances on top of themselves.

Keep your cables up and out of reach. Use a cable tie to help manage multiple cables in a close space.

Guard Against Burns

Burns are an especially critical hazard for appliances in the kitchen. Not only are the stove and oven hot, but so are the dishes when the dishwasher first stops completing its cycle.

The best way to protect against burns is to create a physical barrier to any open heat source. For closed heat sources, make sure to use locks whenever possible to keep the doors closed while heat is present. When using a countertop cooker, like a slow cooker or a pressure cooker, push it back as far as possible to keep it out of reach.

Ensure You Have the Right Outlets

Most electrical appliances are found in either the kitchen, laundry or utility room, or the bathroom. All of these places also have water running to them, which can pose hazards for shorts.

When an electrical appliance experiences a short because there is water where it shouldn’t be, it may cause a significant shock, especially for little children. The best way to prevent this is to ensure all of your appliances are plugged into GFCI outlets. These special outlets have an extra safety feature that interrupts the electrical flow when it senses a ground fault, like what water causes.

Be sure your home’s electric appliances are safe for your children. Call to schedule an appointment with the expert electricians at Circuit Doctor to evaluate and upgrade your home’s outlets today.

Nowadays, when prices of just about everything are going up, it’s time to look for savings wherever they can be found. Reducing energy bills for your company can be quite illuminating!

1. Change the Lightbulbs

This is one of the easiest things to do. Just change the lightbulbs. Instead of waiting for the incandescent bulbs to burn out before you change them, switch them now. Using an LED bulb requires far less electricity.

2. Turn Off the Lights

Turn off the lights in rooms that are not being used. Restrooms, break rooms and conference rooms are rarely used all the time. If employees can’t remember to turn them off, install sensor lights that will turn on when the door opens and turn off when it closes.

3. Energy-Efficient Office Equipment

If it’s time for a new refrigerator in the break room, look for one that has an Energy Star rating. This applies to rented or purchased equipment. These electronics use far less energy.

4. Program the Thermostats

Program the thermostats to either turn off or change the temperature at night. There is no reason to keep the office toasty warm or refreshingly chilly all night. Of course, if it’s freezing at night, you want the heat on enough to keep the pipes from freezing.

5. Turn It Off

Turn off office equipment that is not being used. Computers, printers and coffee makers use power even when no one is using them. Try plugging the computer and peripherals into a power strip that can be turned off with the flip of one switch instead of five. If you need the computers all day, turn them off when everyone goes home.

6. Maintain the HVAC System

Set up a maintenance schedule with Circuit Doctors to keep your HVAC equipment in good working order. When the HVAC system is maintained properly, it doesn’t have to work so hard, which lowers your energy cost.

7. Get an Energy Audit

Contact your local utility company, and ask for an energy audit. Many companies provide them at no charge. The auditor will look for air leaks and inspect the appliances. He or she will show you exactly where you could save money and how to do it.

8. Use Your Windows

If you have windows that let in natural light, use them to their best advantage. Think about situating desks to take advantage of this light, and use it instead of desk lamps for a short while.

Saving money on energy not only helps your company’s bottom line, but it also decreases your energy footprint. Reach out to us today for advice on becoming a more energy-efficient company. We are knowledgeable about the latest technology and ways to save money.