Safety for Everyone

Safety Checklist

To use electricity as safely as possible in your home or office, start with this indoor electrical safety checklist:

Put plastic safety caps in all unused wall outlets. This will prevent children from pushing objects into outlet openings.
Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug. The third prong grounds electricity. Most power tools and major appliances have three prongs for safety. If you don't have three-hole outlets, adapters are available at your local hardware store or home supply center.
Repair or replace damaged or brittle electrical cords. They can cause shorts, shocks, or electrical fires (link to SF017). Check appliances to make sure all cords are in good condition.
Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect yourself from shock . These special outlets prevent electric shock by detecting electrical faults and shutting off electricity to the outlet when necessary. They are especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where water is present.
Use electrical cords properly. To avoid damaging cords, remove them from outlets by pulling the plug, not the cord itself. Never attach a cord to another surface with nails or staples, which can break the insulation. Avoid kinking, twisting, binding, or walking on cords.
Safely reset your circuit breakers and replace blown fuses.

Water conducts electricity, and unsafe electricity use around water can cause serious injury or death. Follow these guidelines at all times:

Keep water away from electricity and electrical appliances.
Never use electrical appliances while in the shower or the bath.
Never use electrical appliances while standing in water.
Always make sure your hands are dry when using an electrical appliance.
Never use appliances while near water or outside when it's wet or raining.
Always use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, and other places where water is present.