Everyone in your family uses electricity in some way or another.
Appliances plug into sockets, lights are turned on by the flip of a switch.
It is important that the modern convenience of electricity is not taken for granted and is in proper working condition so everyone in the home can remain safe and sound.
One of the easiest things you can do is check your appliances, lamps and other electrically powered items for frayed wires.
No electrical devices should have any visible wires.
Bare wire can cause electrical shock to anyone who touches it, including pets.
Frayed wires pose a threat even when the electrical item is not turned on.
You can temporarily mend frayed wires by tightly wrapping them in electrical tape.
But electrical tape will shrink and loose its adhesive properties with heat and age.
Replacement of the power cord is necessary in this situation, or if the item is not worth the repair cost, discard it.
The hazard bare wires pose to your family is not a risk you should be willing to take.
Another way to make sure you are using electricity safely is by checking your outlets.
Electrical outlets should never be used if they are cracked or broken.
If the wires connected to the outlet are loose, it can cause a shock hazard or a short circuit - even if there is no electrical device plugged into it.
Often times, electrical house fires are caused by faulty wiring at the point of the outlet.
Make sure your outlets are installed properly and securely.
Be sure the cover plates are installed and attached securely.
Never leave the wall boxes open, even if the wires are securely attached and taped.
This is just an invitation for small children and pets to touch a wire and receive a shock.
If an outlet is broken or cracked, shut the power to it off at the breaker box and have an experienced electrician install a new one.
Limit your use of extension cords and make sure any extension cord is properly rated for whichever device you are powering.
Large appliances that draw a lot of power will need an extension cord that can handle the flow of electricity.
Lighter household extension cords can be used to power lamps, radios and clocks.
A surge protecting extension cord should be used for expensive electronics such as computers and televisions.
This will ensure they are receiving the constant flow of necessary power while protecting them from damage from a temporary surge, as can happen during a lightning storm.
Finally, if your home was built in the mid-1970s or prior, you may want to have an experienced, licensed electrician inspect your home's wiring and electrical system.
Older wiring can become more dangerous as it ages, and the safety standards of today were not in place when the home was originally built.
A professional electrician can update or repair your faulty wiring and make it safe to handle the electrical loads of modern appliances and electronics.