Smoke alarms are responsible for saving countless lives.  Nearly two-thirds of deaths caused by house fires are in houses without a working smoke alarm. When a fire is starting, you need the quick warning that smoke alarms deliver. Because of this, it is important to keep these tips in mind:

• Install a smoke alarm in each sleeping area of your home, and be sure to interconnect them all so they will all sound at the same time
• Install both an ionization smoke alarm and a photoelectric smoke alarm for the best protection
• Test alarms monthly by pushing the test button
• Smoke rises - so be sure to install your smoke alarms high on your wall or ceiling
• Replace the batteries once per year
• Hard-wired alarms must be installed by a certified electrician
• Install a special strobe light or vibration for the deaf or hard of hearing
• Be sure to create a home fire escape plan that your whole family is aware of

Find the full list from the National Fire Protection Association here: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms/smoke-alarm-safety-tips

Colorful holiday lights adorning houses and trees is a tradition seen everywhere during the months of November and December. In recent years, these lights have began the transition to become fully LED. It is no secret that LED lights are much better for the environment, and you electric bill, than the old fashioned incandescent bulbs. 

While it may seem nonsensical to throw away your old-fashioned bulbs that still work fine, it will save you money and save the environment. The price tag of LEDs are more expensive than the incandescent counterpart, but they can last 40-50 years depending on how you care for them. LEDs also used 10 times less energy than a comparable incandescent strand. Producing a strand of LED lights produces about the same amount of greenhouse gases as producing one pound of corn kernels to trim an average sized Christmas tree. "That may seem surprising, since natural, farm-raised popcorn just feels greener than manufactured lights." 

To read the full article from the Washington Post, click the following link: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/led-holiday-lights-really-are-quite-efficient/2013/12/06/60352792-5b5c-11e3-a49b-90a0e156254b_story.html?utm_content=bufferef0b9&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

• Every three years, the National Electric Code, or NEC, receives new revisions to keep the Code up to date and keep electricians safe while they're on the job. More than 3,700 proposals were submitted in 2011. Each of them were reviewed by the NPA Code-Making Panels and Technical Committee to bring about the 2014 changes. Below are some of the noteworthy changes:
  
• The nominal threshold voltage was increased from 600 Volts to 1,000 Volts. The higher voltage is needed for the installation for solar PV equipment.
  
• New Articles were added to the NEC topics concerning:
  
  • Article 393 Low Voltage Suspended Ceiling Power Distribution
  • Article 646 Modular Data Centers
  • Article 728 Fire Resistive Cable Systems
  • Article 750 Energy Management Systems
• The definition of "readily accessible" has been added to article 100. (Readily Accessible: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove obstacle or other.)
•  Article 210.12 AFCI Protection for Dwelling Units now required in kitchen, laundry and dormitories. 
  
• There is a revision in Article 445.11 to require marking at generators to indicate if the neutral is bonded to the frame.
  
• There was a revision to article 406.9(B)(1) Extra-Duty Covers at 15- and 20-Ampere for receptacles at wet locations.

• Articles 517.18(B); 517.19(B); and 517.19(C) for healthcare facilities will conform to NFPA 99 and change the number of receptacles in patient care facilities for the patient and in operating rooms.
  
• Article 690.12 will require Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings.
  

To read these noteworthy changes in more detail, visit: http://www.ieci.org/codes-and-standards/2014_nec_changes

When decorating with lights this holiday season, it is important to stay safe. "U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires annually that start with Christmas trees, resulting in an average of six deaths, 22 injuries and $18.3 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. About 5,800 people annually also are treated in hospital emergency rooms for falls associated with holiday decorations, with more than half of them coming from ladders or roofs while decorating outdoors, the fire association said."  Most holiday decoration related injuries can be easily prevented. Southern California Edison has put together a list of tips to help you and your family stay safe this season.

• Never place lights closer than 10 feet to power lines and always be aware of power lines.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Always inspect your ladder before using it to ensure that it is safe. If the ladder is damaged, buy a new one that is safe to use.
• Be sure electrical cords are not placed at an angle or position that pinches them, like in windows.
• Use plastic zip cords when hanging lights instead of staples, tacks or nails.
• Use no more than three strands of light per extension cord. Overloads can cause fires or lines to short circuit.
• Keep lights directly away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other flammable materials.
• Use only decorations bearing the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Intertek (ETL) labels.
• Always unplug decorative lights when leaving home or before going to bed.

To read the full article, follow this link: http://newsroom.edison.com/releases/give-the-gift-of-safety-during-the-holidays

As a family business, Griff's Electric, Inc. knows the importance of community and the importance of giving back. In order to honor those values, Griff's Electric, Inc. employees donated funds to help purchase turkeys for a local Long Beach shelter. Turkey donations will go to needy families for holiday meals. Click below to browse photos of Griff Slatten dropping off turkey donations to shelter employees.