Home Electricity Safety

Two Lynwood sisters died Wednesday after a hair dryer fell into a bathtub and electrocuted them. Here are safety suggestions that could prevent a similar tragedy:

* Unplug all counter-top appliances when not in use. This includes toasters, coffee makers, curling irons and hair dryers. When plugged into an outlet, all appliances still have dangerous electrical voltage inside--even when turned off.

* Keep all electrical devices, including radios, TVs, hair dryers and curling irons away from the sink and bathtub.

* Keep outdoor outlets and electrical devices covered and dry between uses.

* If an electrical device falls into a pool or pond, unplug it before you reach into the water. Don’t use the device again until you’ve had it inspected by an electrician.

* When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant, heavy-gauge extension cords marked “for outdoor use.”

* Never use an electric appliance for anything other than its intended purpose. Hair dryers aren’t meant to thaw frozen pipes or dry clothing.

Sources: Underwriters Laboratories, National Electrical Safety Foundation