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. 

Don’t take chances with lightning; when thunder roars, go indoors

Don’t take chances with lightning; when thunder roars, go indoors

Jun 29, 2025 | Safety and Security

Each year, approximately 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States and cause approximately six to 15 deaths in Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.  

While being struck by lightning is rare, it’s better to protect yourself and stay out of harm’s way when thunder and lightning are approaching. The general rule of thumb: when thunder roars, go indoors.  

Electrical Safety Foundation International offers some other lightning safety tips:  

  • When you see lightning, count until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Immediately seek shelter.  
  • Do not touch concrete surfaces, including those in a basement or garage. Lightning can travel through the metal wires in concrete walls and flooring.  
  • Stay off corded phones and plugged-in electronics.  
  • Avoid plumbing and water, including bathing or doing laundry.  
  • Never seek shelter under trees, poles or other tall structures, as they are more likely to be struck by lightning.  

Here’s what you can do to protect your property:  

  • Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from lightning strike surges.  
  • Surge protection can help prevent damage to your electronics. There are two types of surge protection:  
  • Point-of-use surge protection – protects items directly plugged into the device from most electrical surges.  
  • Whole home surge protection – located at your main electrical panel or base of the electric meter. This device provides protection for your entire electrical system.  
Build Your Emergency Kit: Be Ready for Anything

Build Your Emergency Kit: Be Ready for Anything

Jun 15, 2025 | Safety and Security, Storms and Outages

When the unexpected happens, whether it’s a severe storm, power outage or another emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit can help you and your family stay safe and comfortable. 

What to pack in your emergency kit 

  1. Flashlights and batteries
    Keep flashlights in several rooms of your home, and make sure you have extra batteries. Flashlights are safer than candles, especially during outages.
  2. Food and water
    Stock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items like canned goods and granola bars. Don’t forget a manual can opener. You’ll also need one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene.
  3. First-aid kit
    Make sure your kit includes bandages, antiseptic wipes and any prescription medications your family needs. Include over-the-counter items like pain relievers and allergy medicine.
  4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
    Staying informed is key. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio lets you hear important updates when the power is out. Keep extra batteries on hand.
  5. Blankets and warm clothing
    Pack seasonal clothing and extra blankets or sleeping bags. Even in warmer months, a blanket can provide comfort and protection if you lose power.
  6. Hygiene items
    Include hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and other basic items. For families with babies or toddlers, don’t forget diapers and baby wipes.
  7. Important documents
    Store copies of key documents like insurance policies, ID cards and medical information in a waterproof container. It’s also helpful to have a printed list of important phone numbers.
  8. Portable phone charger
    Make sure you have a portable charger to keep your phone powered if the electricity goes out. Keep it charged and ready to go.

Where to keep your kit 

Place everything in a large, sturdy container like a plastic bin or duffle bag and store it in an easy-to-reach spot. Let everyone in your household know where it is and what’s inside.