Electrical Safety in Your Family Fun Center
Does the picture above look like something you have lying around in your family entertainment center? We hope not! Electricity powers everything around us, providing comfort, convenience and security.
When it comes to family entertainment centers, electricity is not only an integral part of daily routine; it’s also one of the major reasons your FEC needs to have liability insurance. How can this be so? While vital to running your FEC attraction, electricity can also make matters take a turn for the worse if not cared for properly. When it comes to electricity, safety needs to be a major concern.
How Safe is Safe Enough?
Any business owner will tell you that it’s important to find the right owners insurance for your business. But having even the most comprehensive insurance policy doesn’t mean you can (or should) throw caution to the wind. When it comes to electricity and safety, there are a few rules to follow that will help keep your center safe for all. If you offer indoor or outdoor attractions, you should take the following into consideration:
Electrical/Water Hazard Safety
• Water and electricity don’t mix. Together, they can form a deadly combination.
• Keep water away from electricity and electrical appliances.
• Never use electrical appliances while standing in water.
• Always make sure your hands are dry when using an electrical appliance.
• Never use appliances while near water or outside when it’s wet or raining.
Use electrical cords wisely
• Repair or replace cords that are frayed or cracked.
• Always remove a cord from the outlet by pulling on the plug rather than the cord itself.
• Extension cords are only for temporary use. Prolonged use of extension cords can cause overheating and fire.
• Cords should never be nailed or stapled to a wall, baseboard or any other object.
• Cords should not have any furniture resting on them or be placed under a carpet or rug.
• Do not leave a cord where it can be stepped or tripped on.
• Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug. The third prong grounds electricity and are there for safety. If you don’t have a three-hole outlet, adapters are available at your local hardware store or home supply center.
Stay safe throughout your FEC
• Always install light bulbs that are the correct wattage for your lamps and fixtures.
• Cover unused wall outlets with plastic safety caps to protect children.
• Never overload outlets by using multiple plug-in adapters or power strips.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These special outlets prevent electric shock by detecting faults and shutting off electricity to the outlet when necessary. They are especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where water is present.
Have Your Center Inspected for Dangers
To really spot all the dangers, you need a professional eye. At Sterling & Sterling FEC Insurance, we offer our clients routine safety inspections to help make their fun centers safer. From common safety hazards to situations you’d never think of, our on-staff licensed safety professional can help you spot the dangers you’d never see coming. For more information, call us toll free at (800) 767-7837.
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Sterling & Sterling, Inc. is ranked as one of the top 50 Privately Held Insurance Brokerages in the United States. We help our clients reduce risk and spend less with our unique Risk Profile System®. By using these tools, on average, we have saved our clients 25% on their overall insurance costs. To see how we can help you create a safer, more successful family entertainment center, reach out to one of our insurance professionals today by contacting us here or calling toll free at (800) 767-7837.
