Residential Safety Checklist

• Outlets - Check for loose-fitting plugs which can overheat; replace missing or broken wall plates; make sure there are safety covers on unused outlets within a child's reach.
• Cords - Make sure no cords are cracked or frayed; keep out of traffic areas; do not nail or staple to wall, baseboard or any other object; do not place under carpets or rest furniture on them.
• Extension Cords - Check to see that cords are not overloaded; use on temporary basis only; make sure extension cords have safety closures to prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
• Plugs - Plugs must fit outlets; never remove the third prong; never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit; plugs should fit securely into outlets.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) - GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred and interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from shock. Test GFCIs monthly according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Light Bulbs - Check wattage of all bulbs to make sure they are correct for the size of the fixture; replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; make sure bulbs are screwed in securely - loose bulbs can overheat.
• Circuit Breaker / Fuses - Should be correct size and current rating for their circuit; if you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used; always replace a fuse with the same correct size fuse.
• Water & Electricity Don't Mix! - Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water; if plugged-in appliance falls into water, never reach in to pull it out, even if it's turned off - unplug it first. If an appliance has gotten wet, don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person.
• Appliances - If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
• Entertainment / Computer Equipment - Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors; use surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.

Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 430, Denton MD 21629 Toll Free: 877-892-0001