For Release: Dec. 12, 2011

Contact: Kyla Kruse, 217-546-6815

Give Practical Gifts That Help Keep Loved Ones Safe

Giving the Gift of Electrical Safety

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) — Inevitably someone on your holiday shopping lists qualifies as that “hard to shop for person.” These people often seem to have everything they need or insist that they don’t want anything to clutter up the house. Safe Electricity recommends getting these people practical gifts that will help keep them safe.

“Electrical safety products help protect those you care about from electrical shock and fires,” explains Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “With practical, safety-minded gifts, you can give the gift that says ‘I care about you all year long!’”

Have DIYers or weekend warriors on your list? If their outdoor outlets are not equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), you can get them a portable GFCI outlet. A GFCI monitors the amount of current flowing from the hot wire in the circuit to the neutral or return wire. If there is any imbalance, it shuts off the circuit. A GFCI is able to sense a mismatch as small as 4 or 5 milliamps, and it can react as quickly as one-thirtieth of a second.  Such a device can avert an electrocution or other tragedy which might occur without the safety of a grounding connection.

A plug-in type GFCI tester also makes a good gift. If a GFCI outlet does not have a built-in tester, this is a useful tool in determining whether the GFCI protection of that outlet is functioning properly. It is recommended that outlets be tested monthly.

A heavy duty extension cord is another idea for those that like to work outside. Often the tools or equipment necessary for larger projects are energized through extension cords that are inadequate for the heavier electrical load. Make sure the cord used is appropriately rated for the electrical load to which it will be connected.

Another gift idea is a non-contact voltage tester. This is an inexpensive tool that any DIYer should have as it detects the presence of voltage without touching a bare wire.

Stuff a stocking with a power strip that has a built-in circuit breaker. Too many appliances and electronic devices plugged into the same circuit may require more power than is available. Tripping a circuit breaker on a power strip is much better than creating an overload in the circuit breaker box.

Consider buying a smoke detector for a loved one. They are necessities in every home and can save lives. In fact, most homes could use more of these inexpensive safety devices. Even batteries for smoke detectors make great gifts. They serve as an important reminder that batteries should be replaced in smoke detectors twice a year.

During power outages, it is always a good idea to have a flashlight and weather radio on hand, so this holiday season you can make sure your loved ones are prepared for the next power outage. Plus, if that flashlight is a rechargeable LED flashlight, you’ve also added energy efficiency to the gift package!

You could also give a gift certificate for a home electrical safety inspection. Electrical contractors have the equipment and knowledge to identify potential electrical problems, and your gift certificate may find a hidden problem that averts tragedy.

Keep in mind that only electrical items that are accepted by independent testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) are recommended. Be sure to read all manufacturer directions prior to installing or plugging in any electronic devices.

For more information and videos on electrical safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within the University of Illinois Extension, and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at www.EnergyEdCouncil.org.