Examine your table and floor lights and electrical appliances for any damaged or dried/brittle wiring. If the cord cracks when you bend it-replace it. Replace any worn or damaged cords. Don’t try to repair them.

If an appliance or tool has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot receptacle. Don’t break off the ground pin to allow a plug to fit into two-slot receptacles. And, yes, there are adapters that allow a grounding type plug to be inserted into an un-grounded receptacle. But remember, unless the adapter is properly attached to the screw holding the cover plate and that connection is grounded, you have accomplished nothing and put yourself at risk for a shock.

Use light bulbs that match or are less than the wattage recommended for a light or fixture. Consider compact fluorescent lamps where appropriate.

If you have an old style halogen torchiere floor lamp that has an exposed halogen tube-DO NOT USE IT. The tube can get extremely hot and set fire to materials that might come in contact with it such as curtains. Newer halogen torchiere lamps were made with wire or glass guards to reduce this hazard but they might not eliminate the danger.

Extension cords are just for temporary use. If you regularly need to use an extension cord, have an electrician check to determine if additional circuits or outlets are needed.

Don’t run extension cords or lamp cords under rugs, under furniture legs, or any place where they could be damaged or create a tripping hazard. Cords should not be stapled or nailed to be held in place.

Examine receptacles to see that they all have covers. Covers should be firmly attached and not cracked. Check that anything plugged into the receptacle is held firmly. Receptacle prongs can become weak leading to loose connections and possibly arcing and overheating. Have any receptacles that do not hold plugs firmly replaced.

While checking the receptacles, you may find ground-fault receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas and other locations where water might present an additional hazard. Do a monthly test of these receptacles by pushing the TEST and then RESET buttons.

Look in your home electrical panel to see if there are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs). These look like regular circuit breakers but have test buttons located on them. Test these monthly to confirm their proper operation.

For those families with young children, consider having tamper-resistant receptacles installed. These new receptacles have a shutter mechanism inside that prevent children from inserting foreign objects into them. These receptacles have been so effective in preventing burns and injuries to children that the National Electrical Code is now requiring their installation in all new home construction.

Check that any outdoor lighting is in good condition and wires not

Don’t run a generator in the house or attached garage or too close to the house where carbon monoxide fumes could enter. Have at least one working battery-operated carbon monoxide detector

Don’t hook the generator up to the house wiring unless it is wired through a properly installed transfer switch. Improper use could result in the electrocution of utility workers or even neighbors.

Use properly sized extension cords and place them where they will not be damaged or create other hazards.

Let the generator cool before refueling and always store extra fuel in approved containers outside the house.

Keep children and pets away from the generator.