In 2011, electrical failures were the cause of 43,700 home fires in the United States, resulting in 430 deaths, 1,620 injuries and $1.5 billion in property damage. And fire is not the only concern. Every year over 300 people are electrocuted, while thousands more experience nonfatal electrical shock and burn injuries.

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, electrical safety should be a top priority in your home. Awareness of electrical hazards is the key to reducing the staggering number of electrically-related home fires, injuries and deaths that occur every year.

The following information and resources from ESFI will help you gain a better understanding of how to use electricity and electrical products safely:

Your Home Electrical System – A basic understanding of your electrical system can help you prevent electrical hazards.

Home Safety Devices – Find out about the latest electrical safety technologies, like AFCIs, GFCIs, and TRRs, that can help protect your family and home.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Safety – Review ESFI recommendations and safety tips before you decide to tackle electrical projects in your home.

Virtual Home – Take a tour of ESFI’s interactive virtual home for a visual introduction to your home electrical system and safety tips for using common electrical devices.

Electrical Safety Videos – ESFI’s video library contains a wide variety of safety videos that demonstrate critical home electrical safety concepts and tips. Many videos are also available in Spanish.

Home Safety Checklists – Use these easy checklists to help you identify and correct electrical and fire hazards in your home before a serious incident occurs.