(NAPSA)—Protect your biggest investments: your family and your home. A few easy electrical safety steps can help ensure that your homecontinues to be a safe haven for your family. The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends the following tips to help protect your home and family from electrical hazards andfires: * Regularly check all cords, outlets, switches and appliances for signs of damage or wear. *Use extension cords only temporarily. *Be sure that outlets are not overloaded with too many devices. They can overheat and start a fire. *Look and listen for warning signs of an electrical problem such as outlets and switches that are warm, or make crackling, sizzling or buzzing sounds. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage. And makesureall circuits are labeled correctly. Consider having your breakers upgraded to state-of-the-art AFCI circuit breakers. Keep the A few easyelectrical safety steps can help ensure that your home continues to be a safe haven for your family. electrical panel accessible so you can quickly shut off power in an emergency. * Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Place alarms inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Test them once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, and replace the alarm itself every 10 years. For moreelectrical safety tips, visit www.esfi.org.
