Here are six hidden electrocution risks in and outside the home:

1)    Stray voltage -- A 14-year-old girl was electrocuted in 2006 simply while touching a metal safety fence at a church softball game. It seems that a damaged underground cable was leaking, sending 280 volts of electricity through the conductive fence she leaned against. Then there’s the Seattle woman who was walking her dog through her neighborhood. The dog stepped on a metal plate and began shaking in a manner akin to a seizure. He was being electrocuted by a bad wire connection. In both cases, the deaths were attributed to stray voltage. It can make common objects -- even those not made of metal -- come alive with electricity. From manhole covers to roadway fences to sidewalks, all have electric wires buried beneath them. When they fail, the power can escape, creating what’s known as contact voltage hazards.

2)    Electrical appliances -- It’s recommended that you follow all manufacturer safety instructions when using electrical appliances to avoid shocks, and never use anything electrical when showering or wet. Keep electric items away from running water, and never reach down to grab something that’s plugged in if it falls into water (like a hair dryer). Worn-out appliances are a major problem with electricity. Frayed wires can cause a power arc when plugged in, causing injury, or you may accidentally touch the exposed parts of the wiring.

3)    Hot tubs, home spas and pools -- Another source of electrical injury is a hot tub or home spa. Faulty underwater lighting, frayed electrical wires, sump pumps gone bad, broken power washers and faulty pool vacuums are among the most frequent causes, along with appliances or extension cords that contact the water. Manufacturers urge owners to inspect in and around pools, spas and hot tubs, looking for irregularities and make sure that all receptacles, lights, and switches have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.

4)    Wall outlets – Though not hidden, wall outlets cause a surprising number of serious or fatal injuries to children. Children should never be allowed to use electrical devices without supervision, and should be taught never to stick anything into an outlet without an adult supervising. Child safety plugs are recommended for households with very young children.