Be aware of common electrical hazards in the home:
- Extension cords are intended only for occasional use. If you need more outlets, have them installed by an electrician.
- Every outlet used near water should have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFIs). GFCIs trip electrical circuits when they detect problems that could cause a shock.
- Plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords. Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
- Do not use damaged cords. Check them for problems such as cracked or frayed spots, bare wires, warm spots, and loose connections.
- Make sure power strips, cords and surge suppressors are the right sizes for the job they're doing. Read package information to match each cord's rating to the power needs of the devices you connect to it.