Home Safety Tour

Determining potential electrical hazards is part of keeping a safe home. A quick tour now can save you from problems and fires later. The following guidelines are from the National Electrical Safety Foundation and Green Mountain Power:

1. Check the condition of all electric cords.
    If they are cracked or frayed, replace them. If rugs or furniture cover them, uncover
    them. Never nail or staple cords to the wall, baseboard, or other objects. Use
    extension cords temporarily; they are not intended to be used as permanent
    household wiring.

2. Check outlets.
    Replace loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and cause fires. Replace broken
    wall plates. Install safety covers on all unused outlets accessible to children.
    And never force a plug into an outlet. When plugging in multiple appliances, use an
    approved multi-outlet strip or have an electrician install additional outlets.

3. Install ground fault circuit interrupters in bathroom, crawlspace, garage, kitchen,
    and outdoor outlets.
    Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required by codes in the areas listed
    above. They automatically cut the power to an appliance if it falls into water or
    if you are standing in a puddle. You can buy these inexpensive devices at the
    hardware store and have an electrician install them. You should test GFCIs monthly.

4. Never overload circuits.
    Too many high-wattage appliances on the same circuit can cause it to trip or fail to
    operate properly. Wires can overheat and cause an electrical fire.

5. Check your bulbs.
    Make sure wattage is appropriate to the fixture.

6. Evaluate the performance and placement of all appliances.
    If an appliance has repeatedly blown a fuse, tripped a circuit breaker, or emitted
    an electric shock, unplug it. Repair or replace the appliance. Make sure all
    appliances stay out of water and have adequate clearance on all sides.

7. Look for potential problems.
    Take a few moments to notice with all of your senses. Do lights dim or flicker?
    Do you ever see sparks? Do you hear sizzling or buzzing? Do you smell anything?
    Do switch plates feel hot? Are plugs loose? Is insulation damaged? These are
    all signals of potential problems. Take steps to rectify the problem or have
    a qualified electrician investigate.

8. Finally, check your entire home electrical system.
    If you live an older home, have your electrical system inspected by a qualified
    electrician. Make sure it is up to code, safe, and able to handle modern
    electrical.