ELECTRICITY

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1. Are electrical cords and household wiring in good condition, not frayed or cracked?
   Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire. Replace frayed or cracked cords. Never overload electrical outlets and circuits. Overloaded electrical outlets, or circuits that supply power to several outlets, is a major cause of residential fires. Overloaded outlets and circuits carry too much electricity, which generates heat in undetectable amounts. The heat causes wear on the internal wiring system and can ignite a fire. Begin a habit of regularly checking electrical cords and outlets. Fires that began in these areas are difficult to detect, yet easy to prevent.

2. Are electrical cords out from underneath furniture and not run under rugs, over hooks or through partitions or door openings, and not nailed or stapled to walls or baseboards?
   Furniture resting on cords can damage them, creating a fire and shock hazard. Electrical cords which run under the carpeting may cause a fire. Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting. Nails or staples can also damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards. Replace damaged or frayed cords.

3. Are all extension cords and appliance cords located away from the sink or stove area?
   Electrical appliances and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if they come in contact with water. Cords can also be damaged by excess heat. Move cords and appliances away from sink areas and hot surfaces. Move appliances closer to wall outlets of to different outlets so you won't need extension cords. If extension cords must be used, install wiring guides so that cords will not hang near sink, stove, or working areas. Consider adding new outlets for convenience and safety; ask an electrician to install outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock. A GFCI is a shock-protection device that will detect an electrical fault and shut off the electricity before serious injury or death occurs. All bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor circuits should be protected by a GFCI.

4. Are lamp and extension cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
   Cords stretched across walkways may cause someone to trip. Arrange furniture so that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords.

5. Are power tools equipped with a 3-prong plug or marked to show that they are double insulated?
   These safety features reduce the risk of an electric shock. Use a properly connected 3-prong adapter for connecting a 3-prong plug to a 2-hole receptacle. Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

6. Are small electrical appliances such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, coffee pots, electric knives, etc., unplugged when not in use?
   Even an appliance that is not turned on, such as a hair dryer, can be potentially hazardous if it is left plugged in. If it falls into water in a sink or bathtub while plugged in, it could cause a lethal shock. Unplug all small appliances when not in use. Never reach into water to retrieve an appliance that has fallen in without being sure the appliance is unplugged. Install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your bathroom outlet to protect against electric shock. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

7. Do all outlets and switches have cover plates, so that no wiring is exposed?
   Exposed wiring presents a shock hazard. Add a cover plate. Use safety closures or caps to "child-proof" electrical outlets.

8. Are light bulbs the appropriate size and type for the lamp or fixture?
   A bulb of too high wattage or the wrong type may lead to fire through overheating. Ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, and "hooded" lamps will trap heat. Replace with a bulb of the correct type and wattage. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no larger than 60 watts.)

9. Are fuses and circuit breakers of correct amperage?
   Replacing a correct size fuse or circuit breaker with a larger size fuse/breaker can present a serious fire hazard. If the fuse/breaker is rated higher than that intended for the circuit, excessive current will be allowed to flow and possibly overload the outlet and house wiring to the point that a fire can begin. Be certain that the correct size fuses/breakers are used. If you do not know the correct sizes, consider having an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used. To prevent overloading, never plug more than two appliances into an outlet at once or "piggyback" extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Use only outlets designed to handle multiple plugs. NOTE: If all, or nearly all, fuses/breakers are 30-amp, there is a chance that some of them are rated too high for the circuit.

10. Do all light switches work properly?
    Unusually warm or hot switches or outlets may indicate that an unsafe wiring condition exists. Unplug cords from outlets and do not use the switches. Have an electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.

11. Are all electrical appliances Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved?
    Check both appliances and cords when buying electrical appliances, look for products which meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.

12. Do you avoid "tucking in" the sides or ends of your electric blanket?
    "Tucking in" electric blankets or placing additional coverings on top of them can cause excessive heat buildup which can start a fire. Use electric blankets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Don't allow anything on top of the blanket while it is in use. (This includes other blankets or comforters, even pets sleeping on top or the blanket.). Don't set electric blankets so high that they could burn someone who falls asleep while they are on.

ADDITIONAL TIPS (Return to Top)

• See to it that your television set and refrigerator, etc. are properly ventilated so that excess heat does not build up.
• Beware of damage caused by mice gnawing wires-especially in the countryside and in summer homes.
• If an electrical device is on fire, turn it off and pull out the plug and call the fire department. Never use water to put out the fire until the circuit has been shut off at the switch.
• Do not try to mend any electrical device yourself. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.
• Know how to shut off the electrical source to your home.
• Turn off all electrical household appliances when you are out or when you are asleep.
• Use electrical appliances on dry surfaces away from water.
• Dry your hands before using electrical appliances.
• Never go near downed power lines. Even if they look safe, always assume they are "hot" or energized.
• Never throw objects at or over power lines.
• Never climb trees or fences near power lines.
• If an object accidentally becomes entangled in a power line, do not attempt to remove it. Call your local electric utility and ask them to remove the item.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.