Electrical safety starts at home: Follow these tips

Electrical safety starts at home: Follow these tips

Apr 22, 2026 | Safety and Security

 

May is National Electrical Safety Month, a great time to learn how to stay safe around electricity at home. Electricity helps power our lights, appliances, phones, and more — but if it’s not used the right way, it can be dangerous. 

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical home structure fires cause the following every year: 

  • 51,000 fires 
  • 1,400 injuries 
  • 500 deaths 
  • $1.3 billion in property damage 

The good news? Many electrical accidents can be prevented with a few easy safety steps. Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you and your family stay safe at home. 

CLICK THIS LINK FOR A DOWNLOADABLE AT-HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST: PPL Electric Utilities At Home Electrical Safety Checklist

Download this room-by-room checklist to help keep you and your home safe!

Living Room Safety 

Living rooms often have lamps, TVs, game systems and phone chargers — all using electricity. 

Safety tips: 

  • Check cords on lamps and electronics. Don’t use them if they are cracked or frayed. 
  • Make sure outlets and switches have faceplates and work properly. 
  • Never run cords under rugs or furniture, as they can overheat. 
  • Keep space heaters far away from curtains, furniture and other items that can catch fire. 
  • Don’t plug too many things into one outlet or power strip. 
  • If children live in or visit your home, use outlet safety covers. 

Kitchen Safety 

Water and electricity don’t mix, so kitchens need extra care. 

Safety tips: 

  • Keep appliances like toasters and mixers away from the sink. 
  • Unplug small appliances when you’re not using them. 
  • Make sure refrigerator coils are clean and there’s space behind the fridge for airflow. 
  • Kitchens should have GFCI outlets (outlets with “test” and “reset” buttons). Test them once a month. 
  • Keep a Type C fire extinguisher nearby in case of an electrical fire. 

Bathroom Safety 

Bathrooms also have water, which makes electrical safety very important. 

Safety tips: 

  • Keep hair dryers, razors and other electric items away from sinks, tubs and toilets. 
  • Unplug appliances when you’re done using them. 
  • Install and test GFCI outlets monthly. 
  • Use safety covers on unused outlets, especially if kids are around. 

Bedroom Safety 

Bedrooms may seem low-risk, but chargers and cords can still cause problems. 

Safety tips: 

  • Don’t run cords under beds, rugs, or furniture. 
  • Unplug phone chargers and other electronics when not in use. 
  • Check cords regularly for damage. 
  • Make sure outlets and switches are covered. 
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors outside sleeping areas and on every floor of your home. 

Basement Safety 

Basements often hold big appliances and electrical panels. 

Safety tips: 

  • Know where your main electrical shutoff is located. 
  • Label your circuit breaker box clearly so you know which breaker controls each area. 
  • Make sure breakers have the correct amperage. 
  • Clean dryer lint after every use and leave space behind washers and dryers for airflow. 
  • Use GFCI outlets near washers, sump pumps, and utility sinks. 
  • Keep space heaters away from boxes and stored items. 

Garage Safety 

Garages often use power tools, heavy equipment and additional appliances. 

Safety tips: 

  • Check cords and plugs on all tools. 
  • Unplug tools when they’re not in use. 
  • Use tools with three-prong plugs when possible. 
  • Avoid overloading outlets, especially when using power tools. 
  • Make sure your garage has the correct breaker size for its electrical needs. 
  • Keep boxes and storage items away from outlets and wiring. 

Outdoor Electrical Safety 

While it’s important to make sure the inside of your home is safe, at home safety also means being careful outdoors. 

Safety tips: 

  • Use outdoor-rated outlets with waterproof covers. 
  • Never use indoor extension cords outside. Look for cords marked “SJTW.” 
  • Only use generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, and never near doors or windows. 
  • Never open or touch your electric meter—only trained professionals should do that. 
  • Before digging for any project, call 811 at least three business days ahead to avoid hitting underground lines. 

A Safe Home Starts With You 

Electrical safety doesn’t have to be hard. By checking cords, using the right outlets and keeping electricity away from water and flammable items, you can help protect your home and your family. 

This National Electrical Safety Month, take a few minutes to walk through your home and spot potential hazards. Small steps today can help prevent big problems tomorrow. 

Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Dec 5, 2025 | Safety and Security

The holidays are a time for friends, family and appreciating all we have to be thankful for. 

And nothing shows you care more than keeping those you love most safe throughout the season, right? 

It can be a busy time of year, but don’t forget to make safety — especially electrical safety — a top priority when decorating your home. Here are 8 tips to keep your season merry, bright and safe.  

  • Check the halls before you deck the halls. Throw out any damaged light strands and replace them with LED bulbs. Check wall sockets, wires and connections to make sure they’re in good, working order. If you find a problem, contact a professional, certified electrician. 
  • Place decorations and trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators and candles. If using candles, blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep. 
  • Inspect your cords to make sure they’re marked for proper use. Use plastic or insulated clips to secure your cords. Avoid using nails, screws or tacks. Avoid running extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. 
  • If you have a natural tree, water it frequently to keep it fresh. The heat from incandescent bulbs can ignite a dry tree. If you have incandescent bulbs, consider switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs. 
  • Be mindful of your electrical load. While some of us may enjoy big, beautiful and bright displays, overloading can cause fires. Follow manufacturer guidelines for how many sets of lights can be safely connected to your outlets and extension cords. 
  • When decorating outdoors, always carry ladders parallel to the ground and look up for power lines before setting up your ladder. 
  • Always hang your decorations during daylight hours.  
  • At night, make sure to turn your holiday lights and decorations off before leaving home and going to bed. 

Don’t let something preventable steal your holiday cheer. Whether you are just getting ready to decorate — or if you already have — keep these tips in mind to stay safe and merry this season.