• Electrical failure or malfunction causes many house fires.burning house image by ivp from Fotolia.com
  
  The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports as of 2010, there are an average of 67,000 home fires every year with 485 fatalities, more than 2,305 injuries and property damage of $1.4 billion. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says nearly 400 people are electrocuted annually in the U.S. Most electrical fires are caused by problems with wiring, cords, plugs and defective outlets. In urban areas, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports faulty wiring accounts for 33 percent of electrical fires as of 2010. Many electrical fires, loss of life and property damage can be avoided by following some important safety rules.
  
  

Check Structure

• Frayed, worn electrical wiring should be replaced.burnt house image by pavel siamionov from Fotolia.com
  
  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates 51,800 structure fires in 2007 involved electrical failure or malfunction. Overloaded circuits, defective wiring and old or frayed wires should be replaced. Flip your circuit breakers off and on to be sure each is functioning and not stuck. Do this at least three times a year. If there is a fuse box, be sure fuses of the correct rating are used. Replace defective GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets.
  
  

Safety In All Rooms

• Improper use of extension cords can cause malfunctions resulting in fires.Brushfire behind houses image by Marta Reimpell from Fotolia.com
  
  Use three-prong adapter extension cords in appropriate outlets; don't overload extension cords or run any cords under rugs or furniture. Don't staple cords in place because this can damage wires, creating a fire hazard. If faceplates on outlets and switches heat up, have the outlets checked by a professional electrician and replaced if necessary. Use safety covers over unused outlets. Avoid using extension cords with electric space heaters; keep heaters three feet from combustibles. Use electric heaters with a nationally recognized testing seal (UL, ETL, SA7) and avoid tipping. Replace sparking, smoking heaters; unplug when not in use. Keep halogen lamps away from curtains. Use correct wattage light bulbs. Install smoke alarms.
  
  

Electrical Safety In Kitchen

• Large appliances should have three-prong plugs.british plug image by c from Fotolia.com
  
  NFPA reports 53 percent of fires in 2007 were due to electrical appliances, such as fans, washers, dryers and ranges. Replace worn appliance cords and, if an appliance repeatedly blows fuses or causes shocks, unplug it and don't use until it's been checked. Unplug countertop appliances when not in use, keep them away from sinks and use GFCI-protected outlets. Allow space for circulating air behind appliances and computers, and use surge protectors.
  
  

Electrical Safety In Bathroom and Bedroom

• Appliances can overload household circuits.electric device image by Astroid from Fotolia.com
  
  Keep appliances like hair dryers, curling irons and portable heaters unplugged when not in use. If an appliance falls into water, unplug power before retrieving. Shake water out and don't use it until it's been checked by an expert. Check electric blankets and heating pads for cracks or breaks in the wiring or dark, charred spots on both sides. Don't use covers or bedspreads over an electric blanket when operating, as it can cause overheating. Keep blankets untucked to avoid bending wires.
  
  

Workshop, Garage and Yard Safety

• Power tools should be used carefully near water.Powerful electric drill on a white background image by terex from Fotolia.com
  
  Power tools need three-prong cords; replace frayed cords and tools that shock, overheat, smoke or short out. Keep unused tools unplugged. Install weatherproof covers on all electrical outlets; outlets without GFCI protection are sensitive to moisture and should be replaced. Use outdoor extension cords and avoid using power tools around ponds. If a tool gets wet, unplug it before touching, allow it to dry thoroughly and have it checked by an expert. Use battery-operated tools when possible. Avoid overhead wires and power lines when using ladders.