Using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) where water and electricity may come into contact can help prevent electric shock.

Keep all electrical products and cords away from water. Remember, electricity and water don't mix.

Protect your child or pet from an electrical shock. Put safety covers on unused receptacle outlets and extension cords.

Call an electrician if a receptacle faceplate feels hot, or if there is sparking, smoke, or odor coming from the outlet, plug, or appliance.

Taking a few minutes to do an electrical safety check of your home or workplace can prevent a fire. Check appliance and extension cords for signs of wear and damage to insulation. Damaged cords should be replaced.

Don't let extension cords hang over countertops, where children can pull an appliance off the counter. They could be seriously injured.

Do not cut off the ground pin of a three pronged plug to make it fit into a two prong outlet. Use an adapter, approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL or CSA to solve the problem.

You can prevent a serious accident in your home or workplace by making sure the total number of watts connected to an extension cord is no more than the cord rating.

Extension cords used outdoors should be specifically marked for such use. Indoor-use-only cords will not withstand outdoor use; using them could result in a fire or shock hazard.

During the summer, be careful of the sharp blades and rapidly moving parts of your lawn and garden tools. Never remove the safety guards from lawn mowers and power tools. Clean up the area before mowing the lawn or using electrical clippers and trimmers. Wear safety goggles to prevent a serious eye injury.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission one person is electrocuted in the home every 36 hours. Read carefully the instructions with your electrical appliances, tools, and equipment. Heed their safety warnings. Make sure they have been tested by a recognized certification organization such as UL or CSA.

IT COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.

You can receive a free Home Electrical Safety Check booklet by sending a business size, self addressed envelope (55 cents postage) to: National Electrical Safety Foundation 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847 Rosslyn, Virginia 22209