Use Extension Cords Safely to Prevent the Need for Fire Restoration in Near North, IL
Nasutsa Mabwa
April 20, 2016The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires:
Never substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
Do not overload extension cords.
Do not use an extension cord rated for indoor usage outdoors. They are a safety hazard if they become wet.
Do not run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If the cord is covered, heat can’t escape, which can result in a fire hazard.
Don’t use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where needed.
Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
Make sure the extension cord is rated for the products to be plugged in.
There is no better choice for fire repair and restoration than Chicago’s ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons. Give us a call today at 773-376-1110 if you need fire restoration services in Near North in Chicago, IL, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons use the latest fire restoration techniques to return your property to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies - 2025 recipient
- Top 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024) by KNOW Women & JPMorgan Chase
- Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40
- SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award
- 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award
She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.
Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).
She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.
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