Electrical Safety for Families: A Community Guide

Electricity is safe almost all the time, and most home electrical injuries and fires are preventable. This is a practical checklist every family can use, from toddlers to grandparents, with the habits that matter most and the upgrades worth making.

Around Young Children

• Tamper-resistant outlets have built-in shutters that block objects pushed into one slot. They’ve been required in new homes for years and are an easy upgrade in older ones, better than plastic plug caps that get lost or become a choking hazard.
• Keep cords out of reach and out of walkways; don’t let them dangle from counters.
• Keep small appliances unplugged and away from sinks and tubs.
• Teach older kids to pull plugs by the plug, not the cord, and never to touch electrical items with wet hands.

Preventing Overloads and Overheating

• Don’t plug power strips into power strips, or run space heaters and other high-wattage appliances through them.
• Never run cords under rugs or furniture, where heat builds up and damage goes unseen.
• Replace damaged, frayed or cracked cords instead of taping them.
• Give TVs, chargers and appliances room to breathe.
• If you need extension cords every day, you need more outlets. See warning signs your home’s system needs attention.

Water and Electricity

GFCI protection shuts off power in a fraction of a second when it senses current leaking where it shouldn’t, such as through a person. It belongs in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, basements and outdoors. Test GFCI outlets monthly with the TEST button. If your home lacks GFCI protection in these areas, adding it is one of the most valuable safety upgrades you can make.

For Older Adults

• Good lighting on stairs, halls and entries, with switches at both ends of stairways
• Night lights on the path to the bathroom
• Outlets at a comfortable height for anyone who uses a walker or wheelchair
• Lighted switches and easy-to-use rocker switches
• Avoid cords across walkways, a common trip hazard

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Smoke alarms on every level, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas
• Carbon monoxide alarms on every level if you have gas appliances, a fireplace, an attached garage or a generator
• Test alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s date (smoke alarms generally after about 10 years)
• Interconnected alarms, where one sounds and all sound, give everyone more time

Know Your Panel

Make sure every adult knows where the electrical panel is, how to switch off the main breaker, and that the breakers are labeled. In an emergency, that knowledge matters.

Outdoors

• Stay at least 10 feet from overhead lines with ladders, poles and pool skimmers
• Assume any downed line is live, stay away and call the utility
• Call VA 811 before digging. See calling VA 811.
• Run generators outdoors only, far from the house. See storm season preparation.

Want a professional safety check of your home? Book a visit on our booking page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tamper-resistant outlets worth it?

Yes, in any home with young children. They block objects without anything to remove or lose.

How often should I test GFCI outlets?

Monthly. Press TEST, confirm the power goes off, then press RESET.

How long do smoke alarms last?

Generally about 10 years; check the date on the back of each alarm and the manufacturer’s guidance.

What should I do if someone gets shocked?

Don’t touch them while they’re in contact with the source. Shut off the power if you can, then call 911.

Keeping Our Neighbors Safe

Our licensed, insured, background-checked electricians help families across Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville and the surrounding counties make their homes safer. See our residential services.