More people are working or learning online from home than ever before. Regardless of where you work or study, it’s important to be safe around electricity.

Take an inventory of your home office or school environment and follow these tips to protect yourself and your equipment from electrical hazards.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by plugging in no more than two appliances per outlet
• Ensure all electrical equipment, including computers and monitors, are plugged in to a surge protector
• Regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis
• Make sure cords do not become tripping hazards
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, instead of an extension cord or power strip, and avoid leaving space heaters unattended
• Never run cords under rugs, carpets, doors or windows
• Keep electronics, including cellphones and chargers,away from sources of moisture
• Keep papers and other potential combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters and other heat sources
• Make sure you use proper wattage of bulbs for lamps/lighting

For more information, visit the electrical safety foundation international at esfi.org.