May is Electrical Safety Month Electrical safety at home and at work begins with you Safety first sign Electricity improves our quality of life and when used correctly, electricity safely powers progress. But it's easy to forget that electricity can cause fires or even kill if it's not used safely. Here are simple precautions you can take to eliminate hazards at home and at work: *Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices. *Don't run extension cords across doorways or under carpets. *Don't overload outlets. Plugin only one high-wattage appliance (i.e. toaster, iron, hairdryer, vacuum) into each outlet. *Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn. *Use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage. *If an outlet or switch feels warm, shut off the circuit and have it checked by an electrician. *Electrical shocks – even mild ones – are an indication of an electrical hazard. Shut off the circuit and have the electrical system checked by a licensed electrician. *Hire a licensed electrical contractor to check your home or office electrical wiring and distribution system to reduce the likelihood of electrocution and fires.