As households set goals for the year ahead, Indiana’s electric cooperatives are encouraging members to add electrical safety to the list. A few small changes around the house can help prevent fires, shocks, and damage to electronics.

Winter is when many homes rely most on space heaters, extension cords, and power strips, and it’s also when we see the risks that come with them. None of these resolutions take much time or money, but each one makes a home safer.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives recommend the following five resolutions:

Watch for warning signs. Burning smells, loose plugs, sparks, and unusually hot outlets or switches are signs of a problem. Homeowners should stop using the affected outlet or appliance and have a qualified electrician inspect it.

Use space heaters correctly. Keep space heaters away from bedding, curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials. Place them on a solid, flat surface, plug them directly into a wall outlet, and turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed. Space heaters also use a significant amount of electricity, which can raise a monthly bill.

Treat extension cords as temporary. Extension cords can overheat and start fires. They should never be plugged into one another, and each cord should be rated for its intended use, free of damage, and not overloaded. Homeowners who rely on extension cords regularly should consider having a qualified electrician install additional outlets.

Use surge protectors for electronics. Surge protectors divert excess voltage caused by lightning, power outages, or sudden changes in electrical demand. A higher surge protection rating offers better protection.

Protect children. Tamper-resistant outlets or outlet covers help keep children from inserting objects into outlets. Cords and power strips should be kept out of reach, and children should be taught never to touch electrical devices with wet hands.