National Electrical Safety Month Toolkit
Electrical Safety Foundation International
May 2011
Introduction
Electricity is an increasing presence in our
modern lives. As our reliance on electricity
grows, so does the potential for electrical
safety hazards. Statistics from the National
Fire Protection Association indicate an
estimated annual average of almost 51,000
home fires involving electrical failure or
malfunction. These fires claim almost 500 lives,
injure more than 1,400 people, and result in
$1.3 billion in property damage each year.
Electrical fires are not the only cause for
concern. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission show that nearly
400 people are electrocuted in the United
States each year.
Fortunately, most electrical fires and
incidents can be prevented. Electrical
safety awareness and education among
consumers, families, employees and
communities will prevent electrical fires,
injuries, fatalities, and property loss.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International
(ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety
Month each May to increase public
awareness of the electrical hazards around
us at home, work, school, and play.
This year’s campaign challenges people
across the country to evaluate the electrical
safety of their own homes, learning more
about their electrical systems and devices
in the process. Outreach activities and
materials highlight the simple steps we can
all take to avoid the personal tragedy behind
the statistics.
ESFl’s complimentary 2011 National Electrical
Safety Month Toolkit can be downloaded at
www.electrical-safety.org. We encourage
you to utilize these resources to promote
National Electrical Safety Month in your
community, workplace, school, and family.
How to Use this Toolkit
The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI)
is a non-profit organization dedicated
exclusively to promoting electrical safety.
We engage in public education campaigns
throughout the year to reduce electricallyrelated fires, fatalities, injuries, and property
loss. All of our safety resources, including this
National Electrical Safety Month Toolkit, are
provided by the Foundation at no cost.
In this kit, you will find tools you can use
to facilitate an effective electrical safety
awareness campaign for your community,
organization, customers, and workplace
associates.
The easy-to-use Home Electrical Safety
Challenge and accompanying resources
provide tools to help with the identification
and correction of potential electrical
hazards before a more serious situation can
result.
Materials from each section can be used in
conjunction with the additional print, online,
video and multimedia resources available
on the Foundation’s official website at
www.electrical-safety.org.
National Electrical Safety Month Toolkit Resources
Safety Tip Sheets – Simple, one-page documents provide safety tips,
energy saving tips, and spotlight home safety devices for four different
areas of the home:
Week 1 – Kitchen
Week 2 – Family Room
Week 3 – Bedroom
Week 4 – Basement
Home Safety Calendar – New calendar highlights monthly reminders to
help you keep your home safe.
Quick Reference Guide: Home Safety Technology – There is newer
technology available to help protect your home and family. This guide
showcases five important home safety devices.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge – Use these worksheets to help you
evaluate the electrical safety of your home. Take a look at a different
area of the home each week.
Community Outreach Tools and Templates – These tools can be used
to facilitate an effective electrical safety awareness campaign for your
community, organization, customers, and workplace associates.
Safety Tip Sheets
Kitchen Safety
Cooking Up Safety in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share warm
meals, and reconnect with each other, but it’s also the location where two-thirds of all home fires
start. Identify and correct potential hazards in your kitchen before someone gets hurt.
Kitchen Safety Menu:
• Keep your stove and oven clean. Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.
• Keep the cooking area around the stove/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins,
and pot holders.
• Plug counter top appliances into GFCI-protected outlets.
• Locate all appliances away from the sink.
• Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.
• Unplug the toaster and other counter top appliances when not in use.
• Make sure there is room behind the refrigerator for air to circulate.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce
efficiency and create a fire hazard.
• Even a slight shock from a major appliance can indicate an extremely hazardous wiring
condition. Turn the power to the appliance off at the circuit breaker. Do not touch the
appliance until it has been checked by a licensed, qualified electrician.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in
electrical appliances like freezers and refrigerators.
Safety Spotlight: GFCIs
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device
designed to protect people from electrical shock
and electrocution. The GFCI constantly monitors
electricity flowing in a circuit, quickly switching off
power to that circuit if any loss of current occurs.
GFCI receptacles are used in place of standard
outlets in areas of the home where water may
come into contact with electrical products,
such as the bathroom, garage, kitchen, and
basement.
GFCIs should be tested every month to ensure
they are in working order.
Energy Saving Tip:
A toaster oven uses 1/3 as much energy
as a full-sized oven. Use toaster ovens for
cooking small meals.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at
http://virtualhome.esfi.org/ to learn more
about home electrical safety.
Family Room Safety
Plug Into Safety in Your Family Room
The family room is an area of the home where many people go to unwind and relax, but there are
certainly a lot of appliances powered there. According to the Consumer Electronics Association,
the average home today has three televisions, two DVD players, at least one digital camera, one
desktop computer and two cell phones. Many homes and their electrical systems were built before
most modern-day home electronics and appliances were even invented. Learn to recognize and
eliminate potential electrical hazards that can exist in common areas of your home.
Safety Tips:
• Make sure entertainment centers and computer equipment have plenty of space around
them for ventilation.
• Extension cords are for temporary use only, and are not intended to be used as a permanent
power supply.
• Do not place extension cords in high traffic areas, under carpets, or across walkways, where
they pose a potential tripping hazard.
• Examine extension cords before each use. Replace cracked or damaged cords immediately.
• Use a surge protector to protect your computer and other electronic equipment from damage
caused by voltage changes.
• Consider purchasing surge protectors with cable and phone jacks to provide similar protection
to your phone, fax, computer modem, and television.
• Heavy reliance on power strips in an indication that you have too few outlets to address your
needs. Have additional outlets installed by a licensed, qualified electrician as needed.
• Keep liquids, including drinks, away from electrical items such as televisions and computers.
Safety Spotlight: TRRs
Every year in the United States, more than 2,400
children under 10 years old are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for electric shock or burn
injuries caused by tampering with a wall outlet.
Tamper resistant receptacle (TRR) technology
provides a simple, permanent solution to help
prevent these types of childhood shock and
burn injuries. TRRs look like standard wall outlets,
but they are actually designed to close off the
receptacle openings unless equal pressure is
simultaneously applied to both sides.
Energy Saving Tip:
Use a power strip as a central turn off
point for electronics, video games, and
computers when not in use.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at
http://virtualhome.esfi.org/ to learn more
about home electrical safety.
Bedroom Safety
Wake Up to Safety in the Bedroom
The average adult sleeps almost 8 hours per night, spending at least one-third of every day in their
bedroom. Unfortunately, we are often at our most vulnerable while asleep. Thirty-six percent of
people killed in home fires never wake up. Take steps to make sure your bedroom is safe—you’ll
sleep better!
Safety Tips:
• Before installing a portable air conditioner, make sure that the electrical circuit and the outlet
are able to handle the load.
• Large window A/C units should have their own separate electrical circuit so the system is not
overloaded.
• Air conditioners need to be cleaned at the beginning of every season to keep them running
safely and efficiently.
• Check ceiling fans regularly for a wobble, which will wear out the motor over time. To fix the
wobble, turn off power to the ceiling fan, and tighten the screws.
• Replace any lamp whose cord is damaged or cracked.
• Use correct bulb wattage in fixtures. Light bulbs with wattages that are too high for the light
fixture can overheat the fixture and start a fire.
• Always turn lamps off when you leave the room for an extended period of time.
• If you have a rechargeable battery, be sure to use the proper battery charger intended for
the size and type of battery you have.
• Unplug battery chargers or power adapters when equipment is fully charged or is
disconnected from the charger.
Safety Spotlight: Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms save lives by providing early
warning of fire. Smoke alarms should be installed
in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area,
and on every level of the home.
For the best protection, smoke alarms should
be interconnected, so that they all sound if one
sounds. Battery-operated alarms can now be
connected by wireless technology.
Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the TEST
button. Change smoke alarm batteries at least
once a year. If an alarm chirps or beeps to
indicate low batteries, change them right away.
Energy Saving Tip:
If you have a portable air conditioner, turn
it off when a room will be vacant for a few
hours. You’ll use less energy cooling the
room down later than if you had left the
unit running.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at
http://virtualhome.esfi.org/ to learn more
about home electrical safety.
Basement Safety
Build a Foundation of Safety in the Basement
The basement is one of the most commonly ignored areas of the home. Yet, it is also where some
of your most essential—and expensive—home electrical equipment is kept. Heating equipment
and electrical distribution systems are two of the leading causes of home fires. You can help
keep your home safe by learning the basics of how these systems work and making sure they are
properly maintained.
Safety Building Blocks:
• Check the label inside the door or cover of your electrical service panel to see when your
electrical system was last inspected.
• Be sure circuit breakers and fuses are correctly labeled with their amperage and what rooms,
circuits or outlets they service. Use correct size and current rating for breakers/fuses.
• Increase your fire protection by having a qualified, licensed electrician replace your standard
circuit breakers with AFCI breakers.
• Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.
• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment, such as furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces, is vented to the
outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
• Lower the setting on water heater thermostats to 120° Fahrenheit or below.
• Turn off electric water heaters/turn down gas water heaters before you go away on vacation.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after each load, and keep the area around the dryer free of clutter.
• Check periodically for excessive vibration or movement when the washing machine or dryer is
operating, which can put stress on electrical connections.
Safety Spotlight: AFCIs
Arcing faults are one of the major causes of the
more than 51,000 fires that result from electrical
problems each year. An arc fault is a dangerous
electrical problem caused by damaged,
overheated, or stressed electrical wiring/devices.
Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, are devices
that replace standard circuit breakers in your
electrical service panel. AFCIs provide a higher
level of electrical fire protection, detecting
hazardous arcing conditions and shutting down
the electricity before a fire can start. Test AFCIs
monthly to make sure they are working properly.
Energy Saving Tip:
Heating can account for 40% of your
annual household energy costs! Keeping
your furnace well-maintained can increase
its efficiency by more than 10%.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at
http://virtualhome.esfi.org/ to learn more
about home electrical safety.
Home Safety Calendar
Home Safety Calendar
Use this handy calendar to help keep your home safe all year long. Visit http://virtualhome.esfi.org
to learn more about home electrical safety.
January
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Check and replace furnace filters
APRIL
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Check and replace furnace filters
July
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Check and replace air conditioning filters
OCTOBER
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Check and replace furnace filters
FEBRUARY
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Vacuum refrigerator coils
MAY
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Vacuum refrigerator coils
Clean air conditioners or schedule annual inspection
AUGUST
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Vacuum refrigerator coils
NOVEMBER
MARCH
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Replace smoke/CO alarm batteries if not done in the past 12 months
June
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Dust light fixtures and lamps
Schedule annual inspection of gas-powered dryer
September
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Schedule annual furnace cleaning and inspection
DECEMBER
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Test GFCIs & AFCIs
Test smoke & CO alarms
Inspect electrical/appliance cords for damage
Vacuum refrigerator coils
Dust light fixtures and lamps
Quick Reference Guide:
Home Safety Technology
Quick Reference Guide: Home Safety Technology
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
An arc fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arcing faults are one of the
major causes of the more than 51,000 electrical fires that occur each year in the
United States.
Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, are devices that replace standard circuit breakers in
your home’s electrical service panel. AFCIs provide a higher level of electrical fire protection,
detecting hazardous arcing conditions and shutting down the electricity before a fire can
start.
While AFCIs were originally only required to protect bedroom circuits, the 2011 National
Electrical Code (NEC) requires that this technology be installed in additional areas of the
home, including dining rooms and living rooms. Although the new safety requirements apply
to newly constructed homes, older homes with aging wiring systems can also benefit from
the added protection provided by AFCIs.
AFCIs should only be installed or replaced by a licensed, qualified electrician. Test AFCIs
monthly to make sure they are in proper working order.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device designed to protect people
from electric shock and electrocution. A GFCI constantly monitors electricity
flowing in a circuit. If it senses any loss of current, it quickly switches off power to
that circuit. Installing GFCIs could prevent over two-thirds of electrocutions that
occur each year in and around the home.
GFCIs can be installed at the main service panel, in place of standard electrical outlets, or
can be used as a portable device. Typically, GFCIs are installed in areas where water and
electricity are in close proximity, such as the bathroom, garage, kitchen, and basement.
Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and provide flexibility in using receptacles that are
not GFCI-protected. They are commonly used outdoors.
GFCIs can be damaged or wear out as a result of voltage surges from lightning, utility
switching or normal usage. Just because an outlet works does not mean that the GFCI is
functioning properly. GFCIs should be tested monthly to ensure they are in working condition.
Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)
Every year in the United States, more than 2,400 children under ten years old are
treated in hospital emergency rooms for electric shock or burns caused by tampering
with a wall outlet around the home.
Tamper resistant receptacle (TRR) technology provides a simple, permanent solution
to help prevent these childhood injuries. TRRs replace standard wall outlets and may appear
identical on the outside, but they are designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates
that close off the receptacle openings or slots. When equal pressure is simultaneously
applied to both sides the receptacle cover plates open, allowing a standard plug to make
contact with the receptacle contact points. Without this simultaneous pressure, the cover
plates remain closed to prevent children from inserting household items.
Tamper resistant receptacles have proven to be so effective that the 2011 National Electrical
Code (NEC) requires installation of TRRs in all new homes. Standard outlets in existing homes
can easily be replaced with TRRs. TRRs should be installed by a licensed, qualified electrician
using the same installation guidelines that apply to standard receptacles.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can be created by fuel-burning
heating and cooking appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes
dryers, or cars left running in enclosed areas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless
gas is often called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of
technology, like a CO alarm.
CO alarms should be installed on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
Test CO alarms at least once a month by pressing the TEST button. CO alarm batteries should
be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, at least once a year. If an
alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries, they should be replaced immediately.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning of fire. Roughly two-thirds of
home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping
area, and on every level of the home.
Newer smoke alarm technologies provide greater levels of protection than ever before.
Combination alarms with ionization and photoelectric sensors respond to both flaming
and smoldering fires. Interconnected alarms offer the best protection. They all sound if one
sounds. Battery-operated alarms can now be connected by wireless technology.
Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the TEST button. Change smoke alarm batteries at
least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries, change them
right away. Replace all smoke alarms at least every 10 years.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge
Home Electrical Safety Challenge
Why is there a different kind of outlet in my bathroom? What does that “TEST”
button do? Why does the circuit breaker trip every time my portable air
conditioner comes on? What’s the difference between a power strip and a
surge protector?
Do you know everything you should about your home’s electrical system and the electrical
products you use in it every day? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “no.”
It’s time to change that. Electrically-related home fires and incidents result in hundreds of
deaths, thousands of injuries and more than a billion dollars in property damage each year.
A healthy respect for electricity and a basic knowledge of electrical safety practices can
help keep your home and family safe from electrical hazards all year long.
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge provides a simple exercise to help you give your
home an electrical safety “check-up.” Each week during National Electrical Safety Month,
use the Challenge worksheets in this sectionto take a look at a different area of your
home. Learn to identify potential electrical hazards and correct them. Making a few easy
changes to improve safety can also lead to increased energy efficiency and savings on
your utility bills.
Is your home ready for the challenge?
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about
potential home electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical
system inspection performed by a licensed, qualified electrician.
Many of the conditions that cause electrical fires and incidents can be detected
during a home electrical system inspection.
ESFI recommends that you have an electrical system inspection conducted if:
• Your home is 40 years old or older
• You purchase a previously-owned home
• Your home has undergone a major renovation
• You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home electrical safety.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge Worksheet – Week 1
Use this worksheet to help you evaluate the electrical safety of your kitchen. Mark your
answers below. Then, check them against the ESFI-recommended answers on the Answer
Key. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home
electrical safety.
Week 1: Cooking Up Safety in the Kitchen
Y N
1. Are the range, oven, and exhaust hood clean and free of debris?
2. Is the cooking area around the range/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins, and pot holders?
3. Is there enough room to allow for air circulation behind the refrigerator?
4. Are the refrigerator coils free of dirt buildup that reduces efficiency and creates a fire hazard?
5. Are there electrical appliances placed near the sink?
6. Have you tested your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) this month?
7. Do you plug all of your counter top appliances into GFCI-protected outlets?
8. Are all electrical cords in good condition with no signs of fraying, cracking, or other damage?
9. Are there any appliance cords placed close to a hot surface like the toaster, oven or range?
10. Do you have appliance cords that are dangling from counters or tables where they could be pulled on or tripped over?
11. Do you leave your toaster, coffee maker, and other counter top appliances plugged in when you are not using them?
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about potential home
electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical system inspection performed by a
licensed, qualified electrician.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge Worksheet – Week 2
Use this worksheet to help you evaluate the electrical safety of your family room. Mark your
answers below. Then, check them against the ESFI-recommended answers on the Answer
Key. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home
electrical safety.
Week 2: Plug Into Safety in the Family Room
Y N
1. Is your home equipped with tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs) to reduce the risk of electric shock injuries to children?
2. Are all of your light switch and outlet cover plates in good condition and not cracked or broken?
3. Are any of the light switch plates or outlet cover plates hot to the touch?
4. Is furniture arranged so that outlets are available for all of your lamps, entertainment equipment, and appliances without the use of extension cords?
5. Are you using an extension cord as a permanent power solution?
6. Do you check extension cords before each use to ensure they are in good working order with no signs of fraying, cracking, or other damage?
7. Are you using power strips because you have too few outlets to meet your needs?
8. Do you know the capacity of the circuit to which your power strip is connected and the power requirements of the equipment being plugged in?
9. Is your computer and other electronic equipment protected from power surges by a surge protector?
10. Does your surge protector have cable and phone jacks to provide protection for your phone, fax, modem, cable receiver, and television?
11. Is your surge protector plugged directly into a three-prong grounded outlet?
12. Do your entertainment center and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation?
13. Are liquids, including drinks, kept away from electrical items like televisions and
computers?
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about potential home
electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical system inspection performed by a
licensed, qualified electrician.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge Worksheet – Week 3
Use this worksheet to help you evaluate the electrical safety of your bedroom. Mark your
answers below. Then, check them against the ESFI-recommended answers on the Answer
Key. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home
electrical safety.
Week 3: Wake Up to Safety in the Bedroom
Y N
1. Do you have working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home?
2. Have you tested your smoke alarms this month?
3. Are combustibles like paper or fabric located near your lamps or light bulbs?
4. Do you know the recommended bulb wattages for your light fixtures?
5. Are you using bulbs with the correct wattage?
6. Are all light bulbs screwed securely into the sockets?
7. Is your portable air conditioner plugged into its own dedicated circuit?
8. Have you cleaned your portable air conditioners in preparation for the summer season?
9. Does your ceiling fan have a wobble?
10. Have you dusted/cleaned your ceiling fan recently?
11. Do you leave portable electronic devices and/or their battery chargers plugged in even after they are fully charged?
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about potential home
electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical system inspection performed by a
licensed, qualified electrician.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge Worksheet – Week 4
Use this worksheet to help you evaluate the electrical safety of your basement. Mark your
answers below. Then, check them against the ESFI-recommended answers on the Answer
Key. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home
electrical safety
Week 4: Build a Foundation of Safety in the Basement
Y N
1. Does your circuit breaker box have a label to indicate when your last electrical system inspection took place?
2. Are all of your circuit breakers labeled to indicate their correct amperage and which outlets/circuits/rooms they service?
3. Have your standard circuit breakers been replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) that offer a higher level of fire protection?
4. Did you test your AFCIs yet this month?
5. Have you ever received even a slight shock from one of your large appliances?
6. Do your washing machine and/or dryer move or vibrate excessively when operating?
7. Is the area around your dryer clean and free of clutter?
8. Do you clean your dryer lint filter after each load?
9. Did you have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a licensed, qualified professional yet this year?
10. Is your furnace properly vented to the outside?
11. Do you have a working carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area?
12. Is the temperature on your water heater set to 120° Fahrenheit or below?
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about potential home
electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical system inspection performed by a
licensed, qualified electrician.
Home Electrical Safety Challenge – Answer Key
Is there more you should do to ensure the electrical safety of your home and family? Check
your answers against the ESFI-recommended answers below. Add up the total correct
answers at the bottom to find out if your home was up to the Challenge!
Kitchen
1-Yes; 2-Yes; 3-Yes; 4-Yes; 5-No; 6-Yes; 7-Yes; 8-Yes; 9-No; 10-No; 11-No
Family Room
1-Yes; 2-Yes; 3-No; 4-Yes; 5-No; 6-Yes; 7-No; 8-Yes; 9-Yes; 10-Yes; 11-Yes; 12-Yes; 13-Yes; 14-No
Bedroom
1-Yes; 2-Yes; 3-No; 4-Yes; 5-Yes; 6-Yes; 7-Yes; 8-Yes; 9-No; 10-Yes
Basement
1-Yes; 2-Yes; 3-Yes; 4-Yes; 5-No; 6-No; 7-Yes; 8-Yes; 9-Yes; 10-Yes; 11-Yes; 12-Yes
Kitchen Correct Answers: ______
Family Room Correct Answers: ______
Bedroom Correct Answers:
______
Basement Correct Answers:
______
Total Correct Answers:
______
Home Electrical Safety Challenge Scoring
44 or more correct answers: Keep up the good work! Continue to make electrical safety a
priority in your home.
37 to 43 correct answers: You’re off to a good start. Focus on the areas where you didn’t
score as well. A few simple changes can make a big difference in safety.
36 or fewer correct answers: You’ve got some work to do. Consider having a licensed,
qualified electrician help you improve the electrical safety of your home.
The Home Electrical Safety Challenge was developed to help raise awareness about
potential home electrical hazards. This exercise is not a substitute for an electrical system
inspection performed by a licensed, qualified electrician.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home electrical safety.
Outreach Tools & Templates
Official government support for National Electrical Safety Month in your state, county, and/or city increases
the impact of your electrical safety awareness efforts. The most effective way to involve your government
officials and agencies is to ask them to issue a proclamation designating May as Electrical Safety Month in
their jurisdiction.
This sample cover letter and proclamation highlight the mission of National Electrical Safety Month and
emphasize the 2011 Home Electrical Safety Challenge. ESFI encourages you to customize these documents
with details specific to your community and submit them to your local government officials.
Sample Mayoral/Gubernatorial Proclamation Letter
Dear [Mayor/Governor]:
Electricity is an increasing presence in our modern lives. As our reliance on electricity grows, so does the
potential for electrical safety hazards. The most recent statistical data from the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) for 2003-2007 indicates an estimated annual average of almost 51,000 home fires
involving electrical failure or malfunction. These fires claimed 490 lives, injured more than 1,400 people, and
resulted in $1.3 billion in property damage each year.
Electrical fires are not the only cause for concern. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) show that nearly 400 people are electrocuted in the United States each year. Data from
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that workplace electrical hazards cause more than 2,600
people each year to be injured so severely that they require time off from work. Electrical incidents and fires
disrupt lives and result in the loss of billions of dollars in productivity and assets each year.
Fortunately, most electrical fires and incidents can be prevented. Electrical safety awareness and education
among consumers, families, employees and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. Outreach
activities and materials highlight the simple steps we can all take to avoid the personal tragedy behind the
statistics. This year’s campaign will challenge people across the country to learn more about the electrical
safety of their own homes. The easy-to-use Home Electrical Safety Challenge and accompanying resources
provide tools to help with the identification and correction of potential electrical hazards before a more
serious situation can result.
[Organization/Company Name] has joined with ESFI to promote electrical safety during National Electrical
Safety Month 2011 and is proud to be an integral part of this vital initiative, promoting a healthy respect for
electricity and the safe use of electrical products. I urge you to join with us to increase public awareness and
stimulate citizen participation for this important effort. Your National Electrical Safety Month Proclamation
will serve as a powerful example of your commitment to public safety and the people of [City/State/Town/
Province].
Respectfully,
Enclosure
Mayoral/Gubernatorial Proclamation
MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH
Whereas, hundreds of people die and thousands are injured each year in the United States as a result of
electrically-related incidents;
Whereas, there are, on average, 490 civilian deaths related to electrical home structure fires each year;
Whereas, more than seven people are electrocuted each week in the United States;
Whereas, property damage resulting from home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction amounts
to more than $1.3 billion annually;
Whereas, following basic electrical safety precautions can help prevent injury or death to thousands of
people each year;
Whereas, citizens are challenged to check their homes and workplaces for possible electrical hazards;
Whereas, citizens are encouraged to protect their homes and families with the latest safety technology,
such as ground fault circuit interrupters, arc fault circuit interrupters, and tamper resistant receptacles;
Whereas, citizens are urged to install, test and properly maintain an adequate number of smoke alarms;
Whereas, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting
electrical safety in the home, school and workplace through education, awareness, and advocacy; and
Whereas, [your organization] is actively supporting this vital initiative, promoting a healthy respect for
electricity and the safe use of electrical products:
Now, therefore, I [Mayor/Governor’s name], [Title (Mayor/Governor)] of [City/Town/State/Province],
do hereby proclaim May as Electrical Safety Month. This month observes the importance of establishing
and practicing electrical safety habits in the home, school and workplace to reduce electrical hazards,
injuries, and property damage, and to prevent deaths.
I call upon the people of this [City/Town/State/Province] to take the Home Electrical Safety Challenge
and to participate in other Electrical Safety Month activities.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this [Number] day of [Month, Year].
___________________________________
[Mayor/Governor] _________________________
[Date]
Customize and submit this sample press release to any local media contacts/outlets you think may be
interested in learning about and promoting National Electrical Safety Month. Follow up with all media by
contacting assignment desks to confirm receipt of the release and to provide any additional information.
[Insert Organization logo]
[Insert Company/Organization Name] Champions National Electrical Safety Month 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Insert Date]
Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert contact phone]
City, State—May is National Electrical Safety Month, and [Insert Company/Organization Name] is joining
with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to promote a healthy respect for electricity and
increase awareness of electrical hazards.
Electricity is an increasing presence in our modern lives. As our reliance on electricity grows, so does the
potential for electrical safety hazards. Electrical incidents and fires disrupt countless lives and result in the loss
of billions of dollars in productivity and assets each year.
The most recent statistical data from the National Fire Protection Association indicates an annual average of
almost 51,000 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction, claiming nearly 500 lives, injuring more
than 1,400 people, and resulting in more than $1.3 billion in property damage. In addition, statistics from the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that nearly 400 people are electrocuted in the United States
each year.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase
public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. This year’s campaign
challenges people across the country to evaluate the electrical safety of their own homes, learning more about
their electrical systems and electrical devices in the process. Outreach materials feature tools to help with the
identification and correction of potential electrical hazards before a more serious situation can result.
“Recognizing National Electrical Safety Month this May is an opportunity for us to make a difference in our
community by helping others avoid the personal tragedy behind these statistics,” said [Insert Company/
Organization contact]. “We’re excited to be part of this national effort to raise awareness about potential
home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.”
Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will
prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. Making a few easy changes to improve safety can also lead to
increased energy efficiency and savings on utility bills.
Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home electrical safety.
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about
ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
###
Customize and submit this sample press release to any local media contacts/outlets you think may be
interested in learning about and promoting National Electrical Safety Month. Follow up with all media by
contacting assignment desks to confirm receipt of the release and to provide any additional information.
[Insert Organization logo]
[Insert Organization/Company Name] Offers Tips for Cooking Up Safety in the Kitchen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Insert Date]
Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert contact phone]
City, State—May is National Electrical Safety Month, and [Insert Company/Organization Name] is joining
with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness about potential home electrical
hazards and the importance of electrical safety. This year’s campaign challenges people across the country to
evaluate the electrical safety of their own homes.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share warm meals,
and reconnect with each other, but it’s also the location where two-thirds of all home fires start,” cautions
[Insert Organization/Company contact].
Use these simple safety tips from [Insert Organization/Company Name] to identify and correct potential
hazards in the kitchen before someone gets hurt:
• Keep the cooking area around the stove/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins, and pot
holders.
• Locate all appliances away from the sink. Plug counter top appliances into ground fault circuit
interrupters.
• Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster. Unplug the toaster and other
counter top appliances when not in use.
• Make sure there is room behind the refrigerator for air to circulate.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce efficiency and
creates a fire hazard.
• Any electric shock from a major appliance can indicate an extremely hazardous wiring condition. Turn
the power to the appliance off at the circuit breaker, and do not touch the appliance until it has been
checked by a licensed, qualified electrician.
“A healthy respect for electricity and a basic knowledge of electrical safety practices can help keep your home
and family safe from electrical hazards,” notes [Insert Organization/Company contact].
Making a few easy changes to improve safety can also lead to increased energy efficiency and savings on
utility bills. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home electrical safety.
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about
ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
###
Customize and submit this sample press release to any local media contacts/outlets you think may be
interested in learning about and promoting National Electrical Safety Month. Follow up with all media by
contacting assignment desks to confirm receipt of the release and to provide any additional information.
[Insert Organization logo]
[Insert Organization/Company Name] Encourages Families, Communities to Build a
Foundation of Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Insert Date]
Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert contact phone]
City, State—May is National Electrical Safety Month, and [Insert Company/Organization Name] is joining
with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness about potential home electrical
hazards and the importance of electrical safety. This year’s campaign challenges people across the country to
evaluate the electrical safety of their own homes.
In the United States, home electrical problems cause more than 51,000 fires each year, resulting in more
than 490 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection
Association.
“The basement is one of the most commonly ignored areas of the home. Yet, it is also where some of the most
essential—and expensive—home electrical equipment is kept,” explains [Insert Company/Organization
contact].
Heating equipment and electrical distribution systems are two of the three leading causes of home structure
fires. Help keep your home safe by learning the basics of how these systems work and making sure they are
properly maintained with these tips from [Insert Organization/Company Name]:
• To determine when your electrical system was last inspected, check the label on the cover of your
electrical service panel.
• Be sure circuit breakers and fuses are correctly labeled with their amperage and what rooms, circuits,
or outlets they service. Use correct size and current rating for breakers/fuses.
• Increase your fire protection by having a qualified, licensed electrician replace your standard circuit
breakers with combination-type arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers.
• Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.
• Lower the setting on water heater thermostats to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after each load, and keep the area around the dryer free of clutter.
• Check periodically for excessive vibration or movement when the washing machine or dryer is
operating, which can put stress on electrical connections.
Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will
prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn
more about home electrical safety.
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about
ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
###
Customize and submit this sample press release to any local media contacts/outlets you think may be
interested in learning about and promoting National Electrical Safety Month. Follow up with all media by
contacting assignment desks to confirm receipt of the release and to provide any additional information.
[Insert Organization logo]
Wake Up to Safety with Important Tips from [Insert Organization/Company Name]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Insert Date]
Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert contact phone]
City, State—May is National Electrical Safety Month, and [Insert Company/Organization Name] is joining
with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness about potential home electrical
hazards and the importance of electrical safety. This year’s campaign challenges people across the country to
evaluate the electrical safety of their own homes.
“The average adult sleeps almost 8 hours per night, meaning that they spend at least one-third of every day
in their bedroom,” notes [Insert Organization/Company contact]. “Unfortunately, we are often at our most
vulnerable while asleep. Thirty-six percent of people killed in home fires never wake up.”
Electrical incidents and fires disrupt and end too many lives each year. Fortunately, most electrical fires and
incidents can be prevented.
Take steps to ensure your bedroom is safe with the help of these simple tips from [Insert Organization/
Company Name]:
• Before installing a portable air conditioner, make sure that the electrical circuit and the outlet are able
to handle the load.
• Clean air conditioners at the beginning of every season to keep them running safely and efficiently.
• Check ceiling fans regularly for a wobble, which will wear out the motor over time. To fix the wobble,
turn off power to the ceiling fan and tighten the screws.
• Use correct bulb wattage in fixtures. Always turn lamps off when you leave the room for an extended
period of time.
• Unplug battery chargers/power adapters when equipment is fully charged or is disconnected from the
charger.
• Install smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the “TEST” button.
“You can improve the electrical safety of your entire home by identifying and eliminating potential
electrical hazards before they can become a danger to yourself, your family, and your home,” says [Insert
Organization/Company contact].
Making a few easy changes to improve safety can also lead to increased energy efficiency and savings on
utility bills. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn more about home electrical safety.
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about
ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
###
Customize and submit this sample press release to any local media contacts/outlets you think may be
interested in learning about and promoting National Electrical Safety Month. Follow up with all media by
contacting assignment desks to confirm receipt of the release and to provide any additional information.
[Insert Organization logo]
Plug Into Safety with Practical Pointers from [Insert Organization/Company Name]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Insert Date]
Contact: [Insert contact name]
[Insert contact phone]
City, State—May is National Electrical Safety Month, and [Insert Company/Organization Name] is joining
with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness about potential home electrical
hazards and the importance of electrical safety. This year’s campaign challenges people across the country to
evaluate the electrical safety of their own homes.
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average home today has three televisions, two DVD
players, at least one digital camera, one desktop computer, and two cell phones.
“Modern homes run on electricity, but if you don’t properly maintain your electrical products they can create
hazards,” warns [Insert Organization/Company contact]. “The good news is that eliminating electrical
hazards from your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.”
Many homes and their electrical systems were built before most modern-day home electronics and appliances
were even invented. Today’s increased demand for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system.
[Insert Organization/Company Name] offers the following tips to help identify and eliminate electrical hazards
to protect yourself, your family, and your home:
• Make sure entertainment centers and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for
ventilation.
• Use extension cords as a temporary solution, and never as a permanent power supply.
• Do not place extension cords in high traffic areas, under carpets, or across walkways, where they pose
a potential tripping hazard.
• Use a surge protector to protect your computer and other electronic equipment from damage caused by
voltage changes.
• Heavy reliance on power strips is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs.
Have additional outlets installed by a qualified, licensed electrician.
• Keep liquids, including drinks, away from electrical items such as televisions and computers.
Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will
prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. Visit ESFI’s Virtual Home at http://virtualhome.esfi.org to learn
more about home electrical safety.
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May
to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about
ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
###