Electrical hazards may be lurking in your home. These dangerous conditions can lead to fire and electric shock. To protect your family, go through your house and look for these hazards. You may also want to consider having an electrician inspect your home – especially if it’s forty years old or more.

Outlets

• Inspect for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs. These can overheat and cause a fire.

• Make sure all outlets are covered by face plates.

• Use safety plugs in low areas where children can reach.

• Bathroom outlets should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – a tool that protects against shock when water and electricity come together. GFCIs should also be used outside. Test them monthly to make sure they are still providing protection.

• Don’t force a plug into an outlet if it’s not fitting properly.

• Never remove the third prong (ground pin) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-plug outlet.

Cords

• Replace cords that are frayed or cracked.

• Don’t let furniture sit on cords. This prevents heat from escaping which can cause a fire.

• Extension cords should be used temporarily and not as permanent wiring for your home. Make sure you don’t overload them – this can cause a fire. Replace older, No. 18 gauge cords with No. 16 gauge cords.

Lights

• Check the wattage in your lightbulbs and make sure they are the correct amount for the fixture. Replace any bulbs with a higher wattage than recommended.

• Halogen lamps operate at much higher temperatures than standard incandescent bulbs. Keep them away from combustible materials and turn off when you leave the room for an extended period.

Appliances

• Keep appliances dry and away from water.

• If an appliance keeps blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker, have it repaired or replaced.

• When purchasing appliances and cords, look for a certification label from an independent testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories).

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible materials such as draperies and bedding. Never use with an extension cord – plug directly into an outlet. Always turn off and unplug when not in use.