electrical anything

*According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) about 200 people die in America from electrocution each year.
*Deaths from residential fires run close to 700 annually.
*Each year about 3,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with electricity.
*Almost 10,000 fires result from damaged or overloaded cords and plugs each year.

Consumers can take steps to protect themselves from accident and injury.

* Have a licensed electrician install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) outdoors, in bathrooms, kitchens, or in any location where electrical appliances or products come in contact with water. Nearly all electrocutions involving consumer products could be prevented by using GFCIs.
* Unplug appliances before cleaning them. Never plug in or unplug an electric cord while your hands are wet. Keep appliances like radios, TVs, and hair dryers away from sinks and bathtubs.
* Don't overload outlets and extension cords.
* Don't pull the cord when unplugging appliances; grasp the plug firmly and pull.
* Be sure the proper wattage light bulbs are used in light fixtures and lamps.
* Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed or damaged. Do not run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.
* Make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are working. Test smoke detectors regularly.
* Repair [or throw away!] any appliance that smokes, sparks or shocks you.
* Teach children to not put things into electrical outlets. Protect your children from injury by using plastic outlet guards.