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Knowledge Center – Electrical Safety

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:52:15 +0000

Electrical fires in homes claim the lives of 310 Americans each year and injure 1,100 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system fires, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits or extension cords.

The Problem

During a typical year, home electrical prob- lems account for 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. 53% of residential fires involve electrical wiring.

The Causes

• Most electrical distribution forces result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.

• Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are also leading causes of electrical fires.

• Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electrical cords, overloading cir- cuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Safety Precautions

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.

• Replace any electrical tools that cause even a small electrical shock, overheat, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters. Pay special care to electrical appli- ances in the bathroom and kitchen.

• Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

• Keep clothes, curtains, and other combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.

• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

• Don’t allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.

• Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets.

• Immediately shut off and professionally replace light switches that are out to the touch or flicker.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

The Arc of Midland Celebrates 60 Years

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:03 +0000

Congratulations to the Arc of Midland (MI), who is celebrating 60 years of service to people with disabilities. The organization is now 200 members strong and has been thriving.

The Arc of Midland started in 1952 to help provide children with developmental disabilities with the opportunities rather than institutionalizing them. Not only does the Arc provide
direct support to individuals but they advocate for people with disabilities at the state and federal level.

Over the years the Arc has assisted many with purchasing their own homes and managing their money to save and live more self-sufficient lives. They have also helped families obtain special education services and worked to provide recreation activities for people with disabilities.

Jan Lampan, the executive director of The Arc stated, “I would characterize us as an organization whose mission never waivers. It is to promote the general welfare of people with developmental disabilities and foster their presence, participation, and inclusion in this community. But how we do that has definitely evolved over the years and continues to evolve, because it really depends on what the people need.”

For more information on the Arc of Midland,visit their website.

May is Fair Housing Month

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:05 +0000

The Fair Housing Amendment Act is celebrating its 24^th anniversary. For the past 44 years the Civil Rights Act of 1866 has prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on disability. The amendment of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 declares a national policy of fair housing throughout the United States.

When it comes to housing, people with disabilities are entitled to modifications and accommodations. Discrimination by housing providers, brokers, agents, appraisers builders and landlords can include failing to discuss certain loans or products or neglecting ways they can improve chances of receiving a loan or purchasing insurance. It is illegal for mortgage companies and insurance providers to refuse information or to discriminate when awarding loans or property.

What can you do?

If you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with HUD online or by calling 800-669-9777, or TTY 800-927-9275. You may also file a lawsuit in court. Contact a local fair housing agency for guidance and help filing a complaint.

For more information visit HUD.gov

May is Mobility Awareness Month

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:22 +0000

First-ever Mobility Awareness Month

Throughout the month of May we are called spread information and awareness about mobility. The purpose of this declaration is to show the world how people with disabilities can live active and mobile lifestyles.

According to Mike Savicki and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) the goals of this month are to educate everyone that:

People with disabilities constitute the second largest minority in the United States.
Over 18 million people in the United States and Canada have mobility issues.
6 million of those are veterans.
There are mobility manufacturers, dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals in your community dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Automotive mobility solutions are available for people with disabilities enabling the to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to exapanding mobility options for people with disabilities. Visit NMEDA for more information.

See our previous post on how the MV-1 taxi (the first wheelchair accessible taxi is helping provide mobility in Connecticut.

ANCOR Conference In Washington DC

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:09 +0000

Join ANCOR at the 2012 Annual Conference: Leading Cultures of Innovation and Advocacy, May 6-8 in Washington, D.C.

We are looking forward to attending the Ancor conference again this year and being a sponsor. We hope to see you there!