Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffeemaker. Charging a laptop computer. These are second nature for most of us. Electricity makes our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind.

Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 47,000 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. These fires caused 520 deaths, 1,250 injuries and $1.4 billion in direct property damage.