It Is Electric

Over 50,000 house fires each year are started by electrical problems, according to the Home Safety Council. Is your home safe and sound? Protect your loved ones — and your property — by following these electrical safety tips:

• Consult an electrician. If your power flickers or goes out frequently, makes noise, or causes a burnt smell, hire a professional to check out your wiring. An electrician can also install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) in bathrooms to prevent electrical shock.

• Care for your cords. Avoid rolling over appliance cords, and inspect them regularly for breaks, frays, knots, and other damage. Don’t use appliances with damaged cords until repairs are made.

• Light duty. Use lightbulbs with the proper wattage for lamps and fixtures.

• Easy does it. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Use power strips sparingly, and never for heating devices like irons or space heaters.

• Shut down. Unplug small appliances such as toaster ovens, coffee makers, and irons after using them.

For a complete room–by–room electrical safety checklist, visit the US Consumer Product Safety