Safety Tips
Living Room
- 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.
