Electrical safety starts at home: A checklist to keep your home and family safe

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (May. 4, 2026) - Electrical safety at home plays a critical role in protecting families, preventing fires and reducing the risk of injury. May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time to remind customers of the importance of knowing the dangers associated with electricity and simple steps to take to avoid them. Safety is PPL Electric Utilities' top priority; whether in the field, on the road or inside its facilities, the company encourages keeping safety top of mind, and it also encourages customers to do the same.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical home structure fires cause an estimated 51,000 fires, 1,400 injuries, 500 deaths and roughly $1.3 billion in property damage each year.

"Safety is fundamental to our role as an electric utility and to the trust our communities place in us," said PPL Electric Utilities President Christine Martin. "By operating and maintaining the system safely - and by helping customers understand electrical risks at home - we can reduce hazards and help keep our communities safe."

PPL Electric encourages customers to take time to inspect their homes for potential electrical hazards and to contact a qualified electrician if problems are identified. Here are some simple tips for customers to remember:

• Use extension cords properly. Never overload extension cords, use more than one cord at a time, place cords under rugs or secure them with nails or staples. Inspect cords regularly and replace any that are damaged.
• Know the warning signs of overloaded circuits. Flickering or dimming lights, frequently tripped breakers, warm or discolored wall plates or buzzing sounds from outlets may indicate a problem.
• Practice power tool safety. Use ground fault circuit interrupters, avoid using cords longer than 100 feet, keep tools away from water and live wires, and wear appropriate protective equipment when operating.
• Maintain working smoke alarms. Install alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every floor of the home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
• Stay safe outside of your home. Call 811 at least three business days before any planned excavation., identify overhead power lines before starting projects, keep outdoor receptacles clear of moisture and avoid using electrical equipment in wet conditions.

"Safety is more than a commitment at PPL Electric - it's a value that is rooted in everything we do," said Doug Haupt, manager of Public Safety at PPL Electric. "Whether it's theater performances for children, running a traveling safety exhibit for first responders or providing tips like these, the company remains committed to making sure these messages make it into minds and homes across its 29 counties."

Electrical safety can save lives, homes and money. To help make safety even easier, PPL Electric has created a downloadable at-home electrical safety checklist that customers can take through each area of their dwelling to ensure they're properly protected. To download the checklist, you can visit pplelectric.com/blog.

About PPL Electric Utilities
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to about 1.5 million homes and businesses in eastern and central Pennsylvania. It regularly ranks among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. It is a part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies. Visit pplelectric.com or connect on social media via Facebook, X and Instagram for energy efficiency tips, bill help information, guidance on shopping for an electricity supplier, storm updates and more.