Protect your family this year by making updates that will help make your home a safer place and possibly save you money.

• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) – GFCIs provide protection against shock from an electrified appliance in contact with water. It is important that GFCI outlets are installed in areas where water and electricity may meet. This would include bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, outdoors, etc. If GFCIs are not in your home, consider having them added by a licensed electrician.
• Appliances - Older home appliances like a home furnace, HVAC, water heater, refrigerator, or oven, don’t have the safety features or energy efficiency of modern appliances. If your home appliances are on their last leg, consider replacing them with new, more-efficient ones.
• Light bulbs - Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. Incandescent bulbs put off a lot of heat and use a lot of energy. Their LED counterparts are more energy efficient and cool to the touch. Don’t get burned by an incandescent bulb, switch to LED this year.
• Detectors – Check to make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they take batteries, now is a great time for a fresh set.