Back to School, Back to Routine: A Home Safety Checklist for Busy Families

 It’s Not Just the Kids Who Need a Back-to-School Checklist

The back-to-school season is here — and while your kids are packing their backpacks, it’s a great time for homeowners to check a few important things off their own list. After all, fall routines bring new energy usage patterns, early mornings, and hectic evenings.

To help, we’ve created a simple, room-by-room safety checklist to keep your home safe, efficient, and family-friendly.

Let’s get started.

Electrical Safety Checklist for the School Year

Electrical safety matters year-round, but it’s especially important when your home is buzzing with plugged-in laptops, lunchbox appliances, and early-morning coffee makers.

Here’s what to check:

• Inspect cords and outlets. Look for fraying, discoloration, or warm outlets. These could signal a serious hazard.

• Test GFCI outlets. These are required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. Press “Test” and then “Reset” to make sure they trip and reset correctly. Not sure what a GFCI outlet is? Learn more here

• .Avoid daisy-chaining power strips. Overloaded circuits are one of the top causes of home electrical fires.

• Use surge protectors for computers, gaming systems, and kitchen appliances. Consider a whole-home surge protector for added protection — especially during storm season in Colorado.

✅ Need help testing outlets or adding child-safe tamper-resistant ones? Call us for a free quote!

Fire Safety & Emergency Readiness

Busy mornings and after-school chaos can increase fire risks. This part of the safety checklist focuses on prevention and preparedness:

• Check smoke and CO detectors. Replace batteries and make sure each level of your home has detectors. According to National Property Inspections smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

• Unplug small appliances when not in use. Toasters, curling irons, and space heaters are common culprits.

• Create or review your family escape plan. Make sure everyone — including kids — knows at least two ways out of the house.

• Keep fire extinguishers handy. Recommended locations: kitchen, laundry room, and garage. Be sure they’re up to date!

Lighting, Security & Safety Timing Tips

Shorter days mean more time spent in the dark — literally. The right lighting setup can make a big difference.

• Use smart timers or programmable plugs. Schedule lamps or porch lights to turn on before kids get home.

• Add motion-sensor lights to outdoor entry points. These improve safety and deter intruders.

• Replace burned-out bulbs. Prioritize hallways, staircases, and outdoor walkways.

• Consider nightlights in bathrooms or kid bedrooms. Especially helpful for early mornings or middle-of-the-night trips.

Bonus: Safety Checklist Essentials for Busy Families

Here’s a short list of items to keep on hand year-round — especially when routines get busy:

• Flashlights (with working batteries)

• Surge protectors

• Childproof outlet covers

• First aid kit

• Printed emergency contact list

• Fire extinguisher

• Label maker (for cords and chargers)

Want a printable version of this checklist? Let us know and we’ll send you one!

When to Call a Pro

Some things on your safety checklist are DIY-friendly. Others? Not so much.

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to bring in a licensed electrician:

• Frequent breaker trips

• Warm outlets or switches

• Buzzing from your panel or light fixtures

• Older outlets that aren’t grounded

Gaddie Electric is here to help busy families across El Paso County and Peyton, CO. We’re a local, family-run business with no upsells, no pressure — just honest advice and experienced service.

📞 Call us or Contact Us here to schedule a safety check or get a quote. Peace of mind starts with a plan.