Some suggested home appliance safety checks and measures to prevent shocks, burns, and fires include:
- Inspect all small appliances and electric cords to make sure they are in good repair before using. Do not use appliances with cracked or frayed cords.
- Do not place electrical cords under carpets or rugs, or in high traffic areas. Do not nail or staple them to walls, floors, or other objects.
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never remove the grounding pin or force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Immediately unplug any appliance or tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks. Have it repaired or replaced.
- Make sure outlets near sinks are equipped with properly tested ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shocks. Test them monthly to ensure they’re working properly.
- Do not use light bulbs with wattage that is too high for the fixture. Make sure they are screwed in securely so that they do not overheat.
- To prevent overheating, allow air space around heat-producing appliances such as TVs, radios, computers, and powerful lamps.
- Use surge protectors to protect expensive electronics.
- Be sure all electrical equipment bears the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
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