June is National Safety Month, and safety starts at home. 

Join the observance by checking for electrical accidents waiting to happen in your home. Here’s how: 

• Inspect every appliance in your home to determine if it is still in working order. Turn each one on and then off as you listen to the sound of the motor. Inspect plugs and cords for damage.  
• If you have young children at home, plug wall outlets with child-safety caps.  
• When you replace appliances, buy the ones with a rating from a testing laboratory like UL.  
• Choose lightbulbs with the correct wattage for each lamp and overhead light fixture. You’ll find the maximum safe wattage imprinted on the fixture. 
• Put away extension cords. They’re designed for temporary use. 
• If you’re hiding any cords under the carpet, move them. Covering cords can cause them to overheat and start a fire.