By: Jason Lee

From the standard AA battery to the relatively unknown LR44 battery, everyone everywhere should embrace all things battery operated on February 18, also known as National Battery Day.

The  “battery” can trace its routes to Benjamin Franklin who coined the term. In 1800, another inventor, Alessandro Volta created a steady current for a length of time using zinc and copper plates and brine soaked paper disks. Eventually, this primitive experiment in electricity would lead the way to the batteries we know today.

So don't be negative because Mr. Electric® has some positive reasons to celebrate National Battery Day.

Whether you have four, six or eight cylinders under the hood, chances are you only have one battery. No car or truck can run without it. So when you get in your ride on National Battery Day, take a minute to thank the true workhorse of the vehicle; the battery.

When it comes to handheld and portable electronic devices, not a single one would work if it weren’t for the battery. These devices would do little good for people on the go if they stopped working every time they were unplugged from the wall. Thankfully, batteries that drain slowly over time allow for us to be portable and still be connected to the digital world. All of this is made possible by the battery.

Battery operated drills and saws have made working at the construction site or doing home renovations a breeze. Workers can cut boards and build for hours before simply changing out the batteries. Once the workday is done, workers can charge the batteries over night and start again the next morning. With the advent of cordless tools, tripping hazards can be avoided. Blown fuses and tripped breakers are a thing of the past, all thanks to the battery.

On February 18, go out into the world with a positive attitude and change those who are negative around you by reminding them of everything the battery does on a daily basis. Who knows, doing it may give you a charge!

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents happen every year. Electrical shock is relatively easy to prevent if you know what to look for and what to avoid. With some basic knowledge and safety training, you won’t become a statistic. Read some of our quick tips below to find out how you can protect yourself and others from accidentally receiving an electrical shock.

Wall plates and light switch covers are not just there to make sockets look better–they keep debris out of the sockets and shield fingers from exposed wires. Never stick your hands or a metal utensil into a wall socket; the currents from an electrical shock can cause injury or even death.

Educate yourself on how the fuses, circuit breakers, and wires are set up in your home. This simple step can prevent injury and also allow you to know the limits on where you can plug in powerful tools and appliances. In addition, it can be helpful to match light bulbs’ wattage to your lamps. You can usually see the recommended maximum wattage printed around the light bulb socket. It’s wise to use light bulbs with equal or lesser wattage so you don’t overload the lamp wiring. It’s also good to know if your house is wired with aluminum or copper wiring, because these metals handle heat differently.

Any electrical equipment that sparks, gives out small shocks, frequently short circuits, or has frayed wires is not safe to use and may need to be fixed or replaced. If any wires are sticking out from the wall, don’t tamper with them. Have an electrician inspect the wires first, especially if they appear damaged.

When storing cords, don’t let them twist or get into haphazard knots or else they may tear. Tuck them away somewhere that small children can’t find them and pets can’t chew on them. Many hardware stores sell cord organizers to make this easy for you.

Try to avoid having too many heavy appliances plugged in and running from the same outlets or power strips. This can lead to overheating, a blown fuse, or an electrical fire. Use extension cords sparingly and try to limit their use to temporary arrangements when doing work around the house. If you’re constantly in need of extension cords, you might be better off just having another outlet installed.

Never leave electrical appliances somewhere they can easily fall into sinks or bathtubs. If an appliance accidentally falls into the water while plugged in, turn off the power to that circuit before you remove the object from the water. Then let the appliance fully dry and ask an electrician if it’s still acceptable to use. Store outdoor electrical appliances in a dry place where they are safe from rain, hoses, or swimming pools.

If you are working with electricity around the house, turn off all appropriate power sources and wear protective gloves and/or boots. Remove any metal jewelry and don’t wear clothing that could get caught on a wire. If you’re the one doing the work, do not assume that someone else has turned off the power sources. Always double check for yourself for your own safety.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional with questions if an electrical job is intricate or beyond your scope. A tiny mistake can lead to serious consequences, so hire a licensed electrician for any complicated or dangerous jobs.