What Homeowners Should Know About Electrical Safety

Aluminum Wiring in Homes (1965–1973): What Homeowners Should Know Between approximately 1965 and 1973, single-strand aluminum wiring was commonly used in residential branch circuits due to the rising cost of copper. While aluminum wiring is still legal and not automatically unsafe, its long-term performance has proven less reliable than copper. Over time, inherent characteristics of aluminum can cause loose connections, overheating, and potential fire hazards — especially if the system has not been properly maintained. Why Aluminum Wiring Can Become Dangerous The most common problems…

ELDERLY SAFETY

Aging in Place "Aging in place" is the phenomenon describing senior citizens' ability to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Those who age in place will not have to move from their present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to their changing needs. The Baby Boomers As the baby boomers age, the 60+ population will spike from roughly 45 million in recent years to more and will be less likely to move into congregate living settings. Why…

12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The encouraging news? Many of these incidents are preventable with simple, affordable safety devices available today. When choosing child-safety products, look for devices that are sturdy enough to protect your child but easy for adults to operate. Always follow installation instructions carefully to ensure they function properly. If you have older children in the home, remind them to re-secure safety devices after use. And remember—no device is completely childproof. Determined…