How to protect your home against overloading hazards?

Answer 1

Fuses or circuit breakers and common sense

Answer 2

Always match the wire size to the circuit breaker (14/2 to 15 amps - 12/2 to 20 amps and so forth). Never use an extension cord that is not rated to carry the load - i.e. a typical 16 g extension cord on a 15 amp power tool. Never over load an extension cord with too many devices - just because the cord ends with 4 outlets, remember, you are only plugged into one.