Allow televisions,
radios, and other home entertainment equipment room to "breathe."
Keep all
electrical equipment away from water sources such as aquariums
and plants.
KITCHEN
Unplug countertop
appliances when not in use.
Keep electrical
appliances away from the sink.
Use GFCIs (Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters) to plug in electrical appliances.
UTILITY ROOM
Fill washers
but do not overload them.
Do not overfill
washer with detergent. Soap suds can cause a short in the electrical
systems of the appliance.
BEDROOM
Blankets
or comforters over electric blankets may cause them to overheat.
Keep cords
out of the way of traffic areas.
Keep furniture
off cords.
Replace faulty
or frayed cords.
Check all
wall outlets and switches to ensure they are working properly.
Purchase
inexpensive safety covers for all unused outlets.
BATHROOM
Use GFCIs (Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters) to plug in electrical appliances.
Don't use
portable heaters in the bathroom.
Discard hair
dryers and other electrical appliances that are not working properly
or have damaged wiring.
BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP
Consider replacing older power tools lacking
safety features.
FUSE BOX or CIRCUIT-BREAKER BOX
Ensure fuses
are the correct size. If the size is unknown, have an electrician
identify and label the sizes to be used.
If circuit
breakers are used, turn them off and on to exercise their mechanism.
Circuit breakers must be "exercised" periodically to
keep them in good working order.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Do not allow
liquids near the thermostat. Water vapor may short out the electrical
systems.
Also keep
thermostats as far from the stove or cooking areas as this will
increase the chances for water vapor intrusion.
OUTDOORS
Have waterproof
covers installed and keep them closed on unused outlets.
Consider having
GFCIs installed. Portable GFCIs are available.
Use only extension
cords marked for outdoor use with electric lawnmowers, blowers, and
weed eaters.
