Many electrocutions and home fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and adhering to safe practices. Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has developed a number of resources to help educate homeowners, consumers, older adults, and children.

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, electrical safety should be a top priority in your home. Awareness of electrical hazards is the key to reducing the staggering number of electrically-related home fires, injuries and deaths that occur every year.

The following information and resources from ESFI will help you gain a better understanding of how to use electricity and electrical products safely:

Prevent Electrical Overloads – Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system.

Extension Cord Safety – Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 more. Extension cords can overhead and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a home fire, but there is more you need to do to ensure your family is prepared to safely escape from a fire emergency.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Safety – Review ESFI recommendations and safety tips before you decide to tackle electrical projects in your home.

Virtual Home – Take a tour of ESFI’s interactive virtual home for a visual introduction to your home electrical system and safety tips for using common electrical devices.

Electrical Safety Videos – ESFI’s video library contains a wide variety of safety videos that demonstrate critical home electrical safety concepts and tips.  Many videos are also available in Spanish.

Home Safety Checklists – Use these easy checklists to help you identify and correct electrical and fire hazards in your home before a serious incident occurs.