OyA|HH ETYSEN NY A LU l tt a Sorry eA LEI Don’t Let Your Presents Put You In Danger (NAPSA)—Most people’s holiday gift haul included electronics. If that’s you, be aware that some items draw moreelectricity than others. If the addition of new electrical equipment is causing fuses to fail or circuit breakers to trip, you may be overloading your home’s electrical system. That could be dangerous, because overloaded electrical circuits start a substantial numberof fires in U.S. homes every year. Here are sometips to help keep you safe from electric shock orcircuit overload: In the kitchen: Install ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near any source of water. Plug any kitchen appliance that uses water, such as coffee and espresso machines, blenders and juicers, only into GFCIoutlets. Freestanding microwave ovens should not share a circuit with any otherelectrical appliance. In the living room: Large-screen televisions can draw a lot of power. Give them their owncircuits. If room lights dim when an electrical component, such as a TV, is turned on, a circuit is probably overloaded. Either spread the ( Electric holiday gifts could present a safety hazard. electrical load to more circuits or have additional circuits installed by a licensed electrician. Leave air space around home entertainment components to avoid overheating, which could lead to an electricalfire. In the bathroom: Plugall electrical appliances, such as hair dryers and curling irons, into GFCIs. Never use electrical appliances near running or standing water. Whenever possible, purchase appliances with built-in GFCIs, especially if they will be plugged into standardoutlets. Visit www.electrical-safety.org for more information about electrical safety.
