(1) The electrician should be drug-free, background screened, for your safety.

(2) Be careful when using a company that cannot give you a price up front before the work starts.

(3) Only do business with a company that offers a warranty of their work for at least a year.

(4) Never run drop cords under rugs.

(5) Check your smoke detector batteries and Ground Fault circuit interrupters (GFI’s) twice a year when the time changes. Test your GFI’s by pressing the test button, then press re-set.

(6) Be careful to never over load a circuit or use the wrong size breaker or fuse.

(7) Never put an oversize light bulb in a lighting fixture.

(8) Be sure to baby-proof your home, when small children are present or residing in the home.

(9) If a circuit breaker trips, turn it all the way off, then back on.

(10) If you own electronic equipment, a home surge protector is a great and wise investment.

(11) If you own an older home, it may not be properly grounded and should be updated for safety.

(12) Make sure your electrical company is licensed and insured.

(13) Be sure that the contractor or company agrees in writing that all work will conform to city, county and/or state building codes and protocol.