UtilitieS : ELECTRIC : sAFETY

Electric Safety

Holiday safety Tips

• It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
• Anything that is installed outdoors that needs power must be GFCI protection via a cord, plug outlet or breaker.
• Do not overload plug outlets with lots of cords and lights. Doing so can cause the plug outlet to overheat and possibly case a fire.
• When using ladders to install lights. ALWAYS LOOK UP FIRST. Make sure no power lines are overhead of you. 
• Keep extension cords to a minimum. Keep the cords out of the walkways so people will not trip over them.
• Only use outdoor rated lights when outdoors. (See all the time indoor lighting used in outdoor applications).  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Whether artificial or freshly cut, a tree should be kept a safe distance away from all sources of heat. Also, make sure the tree doesn't block any exists.

Safety Tips for Children

• Never touch electrical outlets with your fingers or with objects.
• Never play with electrical cords, wires or switches.
• If you're in the bathtub, shower, or standing on a wet floor never touch anything electrical like a light switch or hairdryer.
• When playing outdoors never play around electrical wires or equipment.
• Stay away from areas marked DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE.
• Never climb utility poles, transmission towers or fences around substations.
• Climb trees that are far away from power lines. Learn to look up to check for power lines before climbing trees.
• Never throw objects at wires or utility poles.
• If you like to fly kites, remember to fly them only in dry weather and in open spaces, away from power lines; never use wire or metal in a kite and if your kite gets caught in a power line, leave it there and call your electric utility.

indoor Safety Tips

• Guard against electrical shocks by installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in bathroom outlets and other similar areas.
• Never place electrical appliances on a tub or sink.
• Don’t use a plugged in appliance, like a hair dryer, when standing on a damp floor or in a wet bathtub or shower.
• If a plugged in appliance falls into water, DO NOT reach in to get it out. Turn off electricity at circuit breaker or fuse box before unplugging.
• Don’t overload an outlet or circuit in your home, such as with Christmas lights
• Unplug appliances before working on them.
• Use only electrical cords in good condition, don’t run them under rugs or furniture, and DO NOT staple or nail them in place.
• Instruct children not to play with or plug anything into an electrical outlet.
• Use plastic outlet caps on unused outlets.

outdoor safety tips

• Stay away from downed power lines—Keep everyone away and call the emergency number on your electric bill or 911.
• If you are involved in a vehicle accident and a power line falls across your vehicle, stay put until help arrives. Your tires provide important insulation from the ground.
• Don’t touch an object that is in contact with power lines; including tree limbs. Remember tree limbs can conduct electricity.
• Watch the weather. If it’s rainy or windy, save the outdoor work until another day. Accidents are more likely to happen during stormy weather.
• Don’t tempt fate…or lightning—Stay indoors or seek shelter during storms.

• Keep an eye on the sky. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Find shelter immediately.
• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances.