Electrical Safety Month: Protect Your Home

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Use these tips to stay safe, inside and out.

Protect Your Home

May is National Electrical Safety Month, which is held annually to highlight the importance of electrical safety issues. Protect your family with these important safety tips for inside and outside your home.

1. Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet.

2. Make sure all powered devices are properly grounded.

3. Install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and other potentially wet areas.

4. If small children are present, install safety plugs on all unused outlets.

5. Use extension cords only on a temporary basis and never locate them under rugs or furniture.

6. Make sure all lightbulbs are the appropriate wattage for the fixture.

1. Install protective covers on all outlets and make sure they are GFCIs.

2. Use only weather-resistant extension cords rated for outdoor use.

3. Check wires for wear and tear before using any powered equipment.

4. Look around for overhead power lines before using a ladder or trimming tree branches.

5. Power lines may be buried underground. Before digging, call 811 to have underground lines marked.

Get Help

Exposure to electricity can cause shocks or burns that can result in injury or death. If an electrical accident occurs, seek medical attention immediately.