Indoor Safety

• Check your appliances to make sure they are certified for use in the home by UL or a similar testing body.
  
  
• Check cords for frays or cracks. If you have a doubt, replace the cord. Better safe than sorry.
  
  
• Check for cords that are broken, frayed, damaged or tied in knots, or that have melted insulation.  Have them repaired or replaced immediately
  
  
• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets or where they can be walked on or damaged without being noiticed. Never use nails or staples to attach them to anything, and do not rest furniture on them.
  
  
• Have important appliances connected to surge suppressors. If your home has been struck by lightning, replace the surge suppressors, as they are only designed to stop a surge once.
  
  
• If you must use a power strip, use a name-brand product from a reputable retailer. Low-quality or cheaply made power strips may contain wiring that isn't adequate to carry the load. Make sure to place power strips where there is plenty of air circulation to disperse heat
  
  
• Don’t overload outlets or extension cords; this can cause damage to appliances, overheating, and the possibility of a fire.
  
  
• A heavy reliance on extension cords or power strips probably means you don’t have enough outlets. Until you can add some, consider unplugging all non-critical electrical appliances until you need them
  
  
•  Look for warning signs of an aging electrical system, such as: power outages, dimming or flickering lights, blown fuses or circuit breakers, sizzles, overheating, electric shocks, buzzing noises etc… These are all signs of an outdated or damaged electrical system, which should be inspected immediately.
  
  
• If your home is more than 10 years old consider having the wiring inspected.  If your home is more than 40 years old, old, an inspection is overdue.  An inspection is also a good idea if you have had a major renovation, or added a large appliance. Be sure to call your local building inspector before making any repairs
  
  
• Use extension cords with three-pronged plugs for appliances that require grounding.
  
  
• Never try to force a 3-pronged cord into a 2-prong outlet by cutting the 3rd prong; this could result in serious injury or death due to electric shock.
  
  
• Cover all unused outlets with outlet covers.
  
  
• Do not operate or leave electric appliances plugged in near water. This could cause serious injury or even death.
  
  
• If an appliance falls in or contacts water, DO NOT pull it out or grab it. Turn off the outlet with a wall switch or at the fuse. Do not use the appliance again until it has been inspected or repaired.
  
  
• Always dry your hands before touching electrical appliances.
  
  
• Do not hang clothes to dry on or near a heater, heating vent or hot plate.
  
  
• Do not tuck in electric blankets. Also don't allow anything on top of an electric blanket, including other blankets or sleeping pets.
  
  
• Locate space heaters away from all pathways. Keep all flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, newspapers and furniture at least 3 feet away.
  
  
• Make sure light bulbs are of the proper wattage and are approved for their location. Light bulbs can overheat and cause fire when improperly installed.
  
  
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are recommended for areas around water or outdoors. These outlets are designed to stop the flow of electricity if there is some kind of a disturbance or break in the circuit, preventing shocks. If not installed, consider having these put in by a licensed electrician near areas of water or outdoors.