Safety First – January 2026
Electricity powers modern life, but it is dangerous if not handled carefully. Check back here each month for new tips on how to stay safe around electric power at your home or business. For those who work from home, now is a good time to take stock of home-office safety. Here are some recommendations from Electrical Safety Foundation International:
- Avoid overloading outlets.
- Unplug appliances not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire.
- Regularly inspect electrical and extension cords for damage.
- Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.
- Do not plug a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip.
- Never run cords under rugs, doors, or windows, or where they can be tripping hazards.
- Keep papers and other potential combustibles at least 3 feet away from space heaters and other heat sources.
- Use proper wattage for lamps/lighting.
- Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Test them monthly, change batteries yearly, and replace the unit every 10 years.
Share this article
