Outlets
Check for outlets with loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace missing or broken wall plates. Put safety covers on unused outlets that are accessible to children.

Cords
Make sure cords are not frayed or cracked and are placed out of traffic areas. Never nail or staple them to the wall, baseboard or other object. Do not place cords under carpets, rugs, or set furniture on them.
Extension cords should only be used temporarily, and not overloaded. Use safety closures to help save children from shock hazards and mouth burns.

Plugs
Make sure plugs fit the outlets. Never remove the ground pin (third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet that it does not fit. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may com into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury form electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly, per the manufacturer's directions, to make sure they are working properly.

Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Replace a fuse with the same size fuse.

Water and Electricity Do Not Mix
Do not leave plugged-in appliances where they might have contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, never reach in to pull it out -- even if it is turned off. Turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. If an appliance gets wet, do not use it until it is checked by a qualified repair person.
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or has given you a shock, unplug it and repair or replace it.

Entertainment and Computers
Look for damage to wiring, plugs, connectors, and use a quality surge protector.

Outdoor Safety
Electric mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass, or in wet conditions. Inspect all power tools before each use for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or replace it. Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the tool's power needs. Unplug portable power tools when not in use. Since metal ladders conduct electricity, watch out for overhead wires and power lines.

Outdoor Toy Safety
Stay away form electric wires and anything that touches them. Fly kites or model planes in an open space, such as a field of a park. Use only non-conductinig materials to make a kite. Use plastic, paper, wood, and string. Be sure that your kite does not contain wire, metal or foil. Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if your toy gets caught in power lines. Call your electric utility if you need help. Do not fly toys in the rain or in a storm. Wet strings or wires can conduct electricity. Do not release metallic balloons outside. They are dangerous conductors of electricity.

Electrical Storms
Lightning is powerful electricity in the air. Knowing what to do during an electrical storm can help keep you safe.

Get inside a building, if possible. Keep away from windows and open doors. Do not use electrical appliances or the telephone. Lightning can follow the wire into your home. Stay out of the shower or bathtub. Lightning can travel through pipes, too. Avoid trees, poles, and other tall objects. Also, avoid large metal objects, as they are targets for lightning. Go to low ground and crouch down low if you are caught outdoors. Stay out of the water--never go swimming or boating during a storm. If you are in the water, get out as quickly as possible.