HOME SAFETY

Bathroom: 

  • All electrical appliances should be used away from the sink, tub, toilet, and/or shower. 
  • All appliance cords should be unplugged when not in use. 
  • All appliances should be plugged into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets, and GFCIs should be tested monthly. 
  • All unused outlets should have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home. 
  • All lighting in a shower area should be vapor-tight. 

 

Kitchen: 

  • Back of refrigerator should have room for air circulation and its coils should be free of dirt and buildup. 
  • All appliances should be plugged into GFCI (Ground Failt Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets, and GFCIs should be tested monthly. 
  • All electrical cords should not be cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way. 
  • Appliance cords should not be hanging from tables or counters and should be unplugged when not in use. 

 

Basement: 

  • Circuit breaker box should be labeled with the last electrical inspection, correct amperage, and which rooms, outlets, and circuits they service. 
  • Standard circuit breakers should be inspected, and you should consider talking with your licensed electrician about replacing with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs). 
  • Washer and dryer should not wobble excessively while running, have room for air circulation, and have dryer lint removed after each use. 
  • Furnace should be inspected, cleaned, and have proper ventilation outside the house.
  • Temperature on the water heater should be set to 120° or less.

 

Family Room: 

  • All unused outlets should have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.
  • All light switch and outlet covers should not be cracked or broken.
  • All electrical equipment (lamps, electronics, etc.) should not be requiring the use of extension cords.
  • All power outlets, power strips, and surge protectors should not be overloaded.
  • All electronics should have room for air circulation.

 

Bedroom: 

  • All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be in working order, and be placed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the house.
  • All light fixtures throughout the home should be using bulbs not exceeding the fixture’s maximum wattage.
  • No electrical cords should be resting under rugs or furniture.
  • Electronic devices such as phone chargers should be unplugged when not in use.
  • Window unit air conditioners should be plugged in on their own dedicated circuit.

 

Garage: 

  • All electrical cords should not be cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way – and should never used on a permanent basis.
  • Appliance cords should be unplugged when not in use.
  • All appliances should be plugged into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) -protected outlets, and GFCIs should have been tested monthly.
  • Any garage-stored appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, should have dedicated 20 amp appliance circuits.
  • All storage boxes should be placed away from wiring and plugs.