Home Safety Checklist

1. Check the wattage of all lightbulbs.

Are the bulbs the appropriate wattage for the size of the fixtures? A bulb that uses excessive wattage may overheat and cause a fire.

2. Check all lamp cords and extension cords.

Are cords placed out of walking areas and free of furniture resting on them to avoid a tripping hazard and excessive wear?
Are cords in good condition?
Are cords unwrapped? Tightly wrapped cords can lead to overheating.
Are extension cords being used only on a temporary basis? Extension cords are not as safe as permanent home wiring. Have outlets installed where they are needed.

3. Check all wall outlets and switches.

Are all outlets and switches working properly and cool to the touch? Faulty or warm outlets or switches may indicate an unsafe wiring condition.
Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzing from your outlets? If so, call a licensed electrician to identify the cause.
Are all outlet and switch cover plates in good condition? Replace any missing, cracked or broken cover plates.

1. Check all countertop appliances.

Are all appliance cords placed away from hot surfaces? Pay particular attention to cords around toasters, ovens and ranges.
Are all appliances located away from the sink? Electrical appliances can cause a shock if they come into contact with water. Plug kitchen appliances into ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets.

2. Check all large appliances.

Have you ever received even a slight shock from any of these appliances? If so, do not touch the appliance until it has been checked by an electrician.
Is the area above the cooking range free of combustibles like potholders and dishcloths? Using the range for storage of flammable objects could 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.

1. Inspect space heaters.

Are space heaters placed away from flammable items, such as drapes and newspapers?
Are the heaters stable and placed where they will not be tipped over? Animals and even blowing drapes can cause space heaters to topple over, creating a fire hazard.

2. Ensure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

1. Check for ground-fault circuit interrupters.

Are bathroom outlets protected by GFCIs? GFCIs should be installed in any areas where water and electricity may meet.
If you have GFCIs, do you test them regularly?

2. Check small electrical products, such as hair dryers and clippers.

Are they plugged in when not in use? Plugged-in electrical appliances (even when switched off) may result in an electric shock hazard if they fall into water.

1. Check your fuse or breaker box.

Is your fuse box or circuit breaker box accurately labeled so you can easily identify which circuits are used for each room?
Are you regularly resetting tripped breakers? Breakers that trip frequently may be a sign of overloaded circuits or other electrical hazards and warrant consulting a licensed electrician.
Is your home protected by arc-fault circuit interrupters? AFCIs are safety devices that replace standard circuit breakers and greatly reduce the risk of home electrical fires. Consult a licensed electrician if you are interested in adding AFCI protection to your home.