Using common-sense can keep you safe from accidental shock or electrocution:
- Never mix water and electricity. That means do not allow a hairdryer, radio, or other electronic device to be used around water – especially the bathtub.
- Make sure bathroom outlets have a ground fault interrupter (GFI) device installed. The GFI will trip the electric circuit if a fault is detected.
- Replace cut, punctured, or worn electric cords. Never run a cord under a rug or through a wet area.
- Use three-pronged plugs. The third prong grounds the circuit and prevents shocks.
- Don’t mess with breaker panels or fuse boxes. If a circuit trips and you are not sure why, call a licensed electrician.
- If an appliance is sparking or buzzing, turn it off and get it fixed or replaced.
- Never overload a circuit. Big multiple-plug devices lead to overloading and the possibility of a fire.
- Make sure portable space heaters have automatic shutoff devices should they tip over.
- Never stick a fork or knife in a plugged-in toaster to retrieve a stuck piece of bread.
- Always unplug electric devices before doing repairs.