It's hard to believe the time has arrived for students to head back to school, or for the youngest ones to start school for the first time. Back-to-school season comes earlier each year.
College students frequently take electrical devices and appliances to their dorm rooms or apartments. As online instruction has entered elementary, middle, and high schools, students in these settings are increasingly using electrical devices for their classwork and homework. Share these tips to help students safely start the new school year fully charged to learn.
Safety tips for everyone
- When purchasing items powered by electricity, look for a safety or certification endorsement label such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Review this article for more tips about certification marks and purchasing electronic devices.
- Do not place a cell phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer on or under a pillow or bedding. It could overheat or catch fire. This is especially true while the device is charging.
- Avoid using generic charging cubes or cords. They could overheat, shock, or burn you. Instead, use the original charging components that came with your device. When it comes time to replace them, spend a little extra to buy brand-specific chargers and cubes.
- Use power strips with an over-current protector that will shut off power if too much current is drawn.
- Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or outlets.
Safety tips for college students
- In the dorm or apartment, make sure outlets near water sources are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If they are not, contact the resident assistant, campus housing staff, or landlord. (Look for a test and reset button on the face of the outlet.)
- Do not hang decorative lights or power cords with nails or tacks; always use plastic hooks.
- Do not run electrical cords across traffic paths or under rugs.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use and all appliances when away for extended periods.
- Always use microwave-safe containers. Glass, ceramic, and plastics containers labeled "microwave-safe" should always be used. Metal and aluminum foil should never be used; they can damage the microwave or start a fire. If the microwave is damaged in any way, do not use it.
- Never disable a smoke detector, and never ignore a fire alarm or assume it is a drill. Every time a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow practiced procedures and immediately exit the building.
To learn more about electrical safety tips, go to SafeElectricity.org.
Tips and image courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.