Kitchen/Bathroom:

• Outlets around sinks or are near water should have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or outlets that shut off when a current is flowing through someone or something. You can buy   GFCI adapters, which plug into existing outlets, at most hardware stores. Electricians must install permanent GFCIs. Always make sure your GFCIs are UL listed, and meet OSHA and NEC requirements. And test them each month.  Never touch an electrical device if you are in contact with water. 
• Clean behind and underneath your refrigerator periodically to prevent dust and dirt buildup on coils and cords.

Living/Family Room:

• Parents should install safety covers on outlets. 
• Keep cords out of walkways.
• Don't cover cords with carpeting or rugs. The cords could overheat and ignite the rug or carpet. 

Bedrooms:

• An electric blanket that's "tucked in" or covered with another blanket may overheat and catch fire.
• Keep stored items in the closet a safe distance from light bulbs. Towels or wrapping paper can catch fire from a bulb that's left on.

Laundry/Utility Room:

• Make certain washer and dryer cords aren't pinched and are properly grounded.
• Keep a 3-foot area around gas appliances, like dryers, water heaters and furnaces, clear of any objects and clutter.

Garage/Workshop:

• Use an adapter to plug three-prong plugs or better yet, replace two-hole receptacles with grounded three-hole receptacles.
• Replace tools without a three-prong plug.
• Never use a power tool if the grounding pin has been removed.

Throughout the house

·          Watch the wattage- Burning a 100-watt bulb in a lamp designed for 60 watts is a fire hazard. Most lamps have wattage instructions written along the socket. Make sure the bulbs are in tight. Loose bulbs may overheat and burn shades, drapes or nearby furniture

·          Get unplugged - Unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use, especially irons and toasters. It’s OK to leave a light burning for security, as long as the lamp is operating properly and the bulb is the correct wattage (see Watch the Wattage).  

·          Extension cords are permanent- Extension cords are meant for short-term use and shouldn't be used to plug more items into a single outlet. If you have cords running throughout the house, have an electrician install additional outlets.

·          Get the urge to surge. Use surge protectors wherever possible.

·          High and dry. Keep appliances away from water. Never reach into water for a plugged-in appliance. Unplug it first. Have the item inspected before using it again.

·          No yanking. Unplug appliances by the gripping the cord handles next to the outlet. Yanking or tugging can damage the wire or insulation and could cause electrical shock or fire. 

• Check it out. Check your home's electrical panel for a last-inspected date. If it has been more than 10 years, get a new inspection.

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