Overheated wires, appliances or fixtures can result in fire. Make safety inspections a regular routine, and be sure that all wiring is installed and inspected by a licensed electrician. 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.
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.