Electric Safety

Here are some tips you can use at your home today to ensure electrical safety:

New wiring and wiring repairs need to be done by a licensed professional
It’s a good idea to have your wiring inspected from time to time
Maintain electrical cords and appliances in good working order; any cracked or frayed cord should be replaced
Any appliance that sparks, smokes, or trips the circuit breaker repeatedly should be professionally repaired or replaced
Don’t overload an outlet with too many plugs
Never run extension cords under rugs or furniture - extension cords are designed for occasional, temporary use
Always pull on the plug, not the cord to unplug your appliances
Be sure to keep electricity and water away from each other - don't put a radio on the edge of the tub, for instance
Outlets near a water source should be protected with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)
Never throw water on an electrical fire - use a properly rated fire extinguisher or baking soda
Unplug the toaster before attempting to get out stuck bread
Use plastic plug covers on unused outlets
Check light bulbs to ensure they are not above the recommended wattage for the lamp or socket
If using a portable heater, read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions
Don’t allow pets to play with or chew on cords or plugs

Keep looking up! That’s good advice for a healthy attitude and great advice when it comes to being safe around electricity
When working or playing outdoors, be aware of overhead wires
Whether you’re moving a ladder, installing a new antenna, cleaning the eaves troughs, vacuuming the pool, trimming hedges or just climbing a tree, or flying a kite, keep looking up!
Don’t use any metal or wire in a kite
When planting trees, plan for future growth: avoid power lines
Never use electrical tools where it is wet or damp
All outside outlets should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and weather covers
Frequently inspect the cords and plugs on outdoor tools
If you see a downed wire, don’t touch it! Call for help and warn others to stay clear
If a wire should fall on your vehicle, stay put and wait for help. If you need to make an emergency escape, jump clear of the vehicle without touching the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Then, don’t run: shuffle away to avoid moving from an energized area to one that isn't.

Pay attention to storm watches and warnings
Stay indoors if at all possible
Never take cover under a tree or other obvious lightning target
Go to a low area and crouch (don’t lie) down if caught out of doors
If swimming, get out of the water at the first sign of a storm
Don’t bathe or shower during a storm
Don’t use the telephone except for an emergency
Unplug electronic equipment
If driving, pull over in a safe area, away from trees and wires and stay inside your vehicle until the storm passes.

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