Home Safety Checklist
Protect you and your family from fire and other electrical hazards by using this checklist. these simple and easy steps will help you to identify electrical dangers commonly found in homes.
1. CHECK THE WATTAGE OF ALL BULBS IN YOUR LIGHTS.
- Are the bulbs the appropriate wattage for the size of the fixtures? A bulb of too-high wattage may lead to fire through overheating.
2. CHECK ALL LAMP CORDS AND EXTENSION CORDS.
- Are cords placed out of the walking areas and free of furniture resting on them? Tripping hazards may result. Also, stepping on cords or placing furniture on them can cause damage and create a fire hazard.
- Are cords in good condition (not damaged or cracked)? Shock or fire hazard s can result from damaged cords. Do not attempt to repair cords yourself. Contact us to have them checked out.
- Are cords wrapped? Tightly wrapped cords can lead to overheating.
- Are all extension cords being used only on a temporary basis? Extenstion cords are not safe as permanent house wiring. Contact us to have receptacles installed where they are needed.
3. CHECK ALL WALL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES.
- Are all outlets and switches working properly? Improperly operating outlets or switches idicate that an unsafe wiring condition exists.
- Are all outlets and switches cool to the touch? Unusually warm outlets or switches may indicate an usafe wiring conditon exists.
- Do you hear crackling, sizzling, or buzzing from your outlets? Contact us to identify the cause.
- Are all outlet and switch cover plates in good condition? Replace any missing, cracked or broken cover plates.
Kitchen
1. CHECK ALL COUNTER TOP APPLIANCES.
- Are all appliance cords placed away from hot surfaces? Pay particular attention to cords around toasters, oven, and ranges. Cords can be damaged by excess heat.
- Are all appliances located away from the sink? Electrical appliances can cause a shock if they come in contact with water. Plug kitchen appliances into GFCI protected outlets.
- Do appliance cords hang off counter or table tops? These cords are likely to catch on people passing by.
2. CHECK ALL LARGE APPLIANCES.
- Have you ever received even a slight shock (other than one from static electricity) from any of these appliances? Do not touch them. Contact us to check them out.
- Is the top and area above the cooking range free of combustibles (for example, potholders, platic untensils)? Using the range for storage of non-cooking equipment may result in fires or burns.
- Is there excessive vibration or movement when the washer or dryer is operating? Movement during operation can put undue stress on electrical connections.
Bedroom
1. CHECK FOR TAMPER RESISTANT OUTLETS.
2. CHECK PORTABLE HEATERS.
- Is it placed away from things that can catch fire such as drapes and newspapers? Relocate heaters away from passageways and keep all flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, furniture or newspaper at least three feet away.
- Is the equipment stable and placed where it will not be tripped over? Fire hazard can result if a heater is tipped over. Animals and even blowing drapes can be factors.
3. CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE AND PROPER PLACEMENT OF SMOKE ALARMS AND TEST EACH ONE. Smoke alarms should be located on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
Bathroom
1. CHECK FOR GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCIs).
- Are the bathroom outlets protected by GFCIs? GFCIs should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where the risk of electric shock is high.
- If you have any GFCIs, do you test them regularly? GFCIs must be operating properly to protect against electrocution.
2. CHECK SMALL ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS SUCH AS HAIR DRYERS AND CURLING IRONS.
- Are they plugged in when not in use? Plugged-in electrical appliances (even when switched off) may result in an electrocution hazard if they fall into water.
- Are they in good condition? Pay particular attention to erratic operation and damaged wiring or other parts.
Basement/Garage
1. CHECK YOUR FUSE/BREAKER BOX
- Is your fuse or circuit breaker box appropriately labeled? Labeling helps to easily identify what circuits power each room in your home.
- Does everyone of appropriate age know where the fuse box or circuit breaker box is located and how to turn off and resore power to the home?
- Are you regularly resetting tripped circuit breakers? Circuit breakers that are constantly tripping indicate that the circuit is overloaded or that other electrical hazards exist. Co ntact us to have it checked out.
- Is your home protected by Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)? AFCIs are devices that replace standard circuit breakers in the electrical service panel and that greatly reduce the risk of home electrical fires. If you are interested in having AFCI protection added to your home, contact us today.
