JB fire inspector describes electrical safety Published May 31, 2016 By William J. Ferguson 87th Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffeemaker. Charging a laptop computer. These are second nature for most of us. Electricity makes our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind at all times. The following safety tips can help prevent a disaster in your home. 1. Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician. 2. When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified electrician. 3. Only plug one heat producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) into a receptacle outlet at a time. 4. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used. 5. Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are a kind of circuit breaker that shuts off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home. Use a qualified electrician. 6. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected. 7. Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly. 8. Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more outlets so you don't have to use extension cords. 9. Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. There will be a sticker that indicates the maximum wattage light bulb to use. 10. Residents of Joint Base housing should contact their housing provider to report damaged or broken electrical outlets in the home. Always dial 9-1-1 to report all emergencies. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the JB MDL Fire Prevention Office at 754-2451.