We love electricity – it keeps us warm, makes our homes bright, allows us to access all of our entertainment, enables us to eat a warm meal whenever we want and so much more. Electricity has made our lives more enjoyable in so many ways– but that doesn’t mean it comes without its risks–we’ll walk you through some electrical safety tips that all homeowners should be aware of.

Gain some knowledge on basic electrical safety tips– these five tips will help you enjoy the devices and appliances you love while keeping everyone safe from harm.

1. Replace or repair damaged power cords
Exposed wiring is a danger that cannot go overlooked. If you see the protective coating on a wire is stripped away, be sure to replace it or cover it with properly rated electrical tape as soon as possible.  Although a good 33+ rated electrical tape can be used to repair minor cord or wire damage, it should never be used on cracks or frays that expose bare electrical wire. If the cord has cracked or nicked outer sheath, but the inner insulation is still intact, then electrical tape can be used as a safe repair option.

2. Don’t overload your outlets
Every outlet in your home is designed to deliver a certain amount of electricity; by plugging too many devices into it at once, you could cause a small explosion or a fire. If you have a lot of things to plug in, use a power strip (an energy saving one of course!) that can safely accommodate your needs.  A power strip/ surge protector will reduce the potential over load to electrical devices.

3. Avoid extension cords as much as possible
Running extension cords through the house can trip up residents; this can cause injury and damage to the wire or outlet if it causes the cord to be ripped out of the wall. If you find yourself using extension cords very often, consider having an electrician install new outlets throughout your home.  Extension cords are designed for temporary power and should never be passed through wall openings or doors.

4. Keep electrical equipment or outlets away from water
Water conducts electricity, so even the slightest exposure to this dangerous mix can lead to injury. Make sure you wipe up any spills to ensure that plugs don’t get wet.  Areas exposed to moisture are to have receptacles with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) built in. 

5. Protect small children from hazards
Toddlers and small children are very curious and they love to explore just about everything. Parents of small children should put tamper-resistant safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. In addition, all loose cords should be tidied up and put out of reach to avoid kids tugging on them.