Indoor Safety

Use this residential safety checklist for nine quick checks you can make in your home to help make it more electrically safe.

Cords: Make sure cords are in good condition; not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to other objects and should not have furniture resting on them.

Outlets: Check for outlets that have loose fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children

Plugs: Make sure the proper type plug is in each outlet. If you are using three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut off the ground pin (the third bottom prong) from the plug; this could lead to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong adapter.

Never force a plug into an outlet if it does not fit: This could lead to fire or shock. Plugs should fit securely into outlets; and outlets should not be overloaded.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCls regularly according to the manufacturers instructions.

Light bulbs: Check the wattage of an bulbs in lighting fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you do not know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure the bulbs are screwed in securely loose bulbs may overheat.

Circuit breakers/fuses: Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size for the circuits. If you do not know the correct size fuse, have an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used. Never replace a fuse with anything but the correct size fuse.

Water and electricity do not mix: Do not place any electrical appliance near water such as a sink or bathtub. Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and do not use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson

Entertainment/computer equipment: Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, cords and connectors.

Source: National Electrical Safety Foundation For additional safety information visit the National Safety Council (link to www.nsc.org)