You probably have a good reason for wanting to take on a do-it-yourself home project. From saving money to customizing specifications to your liking, it’s easy to see why homeowners are eager to roll up their sleeves and do the work themselves.

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation encourages homeowners to keep safety in mind when tackling these types of projects. Dangerous situations can easily arise without proper safety precautions and understanding of the work involved.

When it comes to home electrical projects, here are some safety reminders:

• Learn about your home electrical system so it’s easier to navigate and maintain it safely.
• Stay away from a project that is beyond your level of skill. You can help prevent tragedies by calling a professional.
• Be sure to turn off the power to the circuit you plan to work on by turning off the circuit breaker in your main service panel.
• Unplug any lamp or appliance before you start working on it.
• Test the wires before you touch them to ensure the power is turned off.
• Avoid touching plumbing or gas pipes when doing your electrical project.

“Many homeowners lack the real knowledge or experience to safely take on some projects around the house,” said Gibson Electric Safety Coordinator Jon Jones. “They should use extreme caution and thorough planning. If it feels like a project is beyond your skill or comfort level, leave it to a professional.”