Electrical Safety Should be Everyone’s Priority
Check everything off this list monthly to make your home as safe as possible for you and your family.
Bathroom
- All electrical appliances are used away from the sink, tub, toilet, and/or shower
- All appliance cords are unplugged when not in use
- All appliances are plugged into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets and GFCIs have been tested monthly
- All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home
- All lighting in your shower area is vapor-tight
Kitchen
- The back of the refrigerator has room for air circulation and its coils are free of dirt and buildup
- All electrical appliances are placed and used away from the sink
- All appliances are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets and GFCIs have been tested monthly
- All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way
- Appliance cords are not hanging from tables or counters and are unplugged when not in use
Basement
- The circuit breaker box is labeled with the last electrical inspection, correct amperage, and which rooms, outlets, and circuits they service
- Standard circuit breakers have been inspected, and you’ve considered talking with your licensed electrician about replacing them with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
- The washer and dryer do not wobble excessively while running, have room for air circulation, and dryer lint is removed after each use
- The furnace has been inspected, cleaned, and has proper ventilation outside the house
- The temperature on the water heater is set to 120° or less
Family Room
- All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home
- All light switches and outlet covers are not cracked or broken
- All electrical equipment (lamps, electronics, etc.) are being used without the use of extension cords
- All power outlets, power strips, and surge protectors are not overloaded
- All electronics have room for air circulation
Bedroom
- All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and are placed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the house
- All light fixtures throughout the home are using bulbs not exceeding the fixture’s maximum wattage
- No electrical cords are resting under rugs or furniture
- Electronic devices such as phone chargers are unplugged when not in use
- Window unit air conditioners are plugged in on their own dedicated circuit
Garage
- All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way – and are never used on a permanent basis
- Appliance cords are unplugged when not in use
- All appliances are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly
- Any garage-stored appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, have dedicated 20 amp appliance circuits
- All storage boxes are placed away from wiring and plugs