Every day we rely on electricity to power our homes and businesses. However, it’s important to always be safe when dealing with anything electrical – whether it’s common appliances, equipment/tools or power lines. May is National Electrical Safety Month and each year the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) commemorates the month of May to raise awareness and educate the public on critical electrical safety topics.
Here are some simple precautions to avoid electrically related fires, injuries, fatalities and property loss.
- Periodically check electric cords for fraying or cracking. Replace cords that may be damaged.
- Don’t overload electric outlets. If the circuit breaker repeatedly trips, there’s a reason why.
- Remember extension cords are intended to be temporary and are not meant as permanent household wiring.
- Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs and don’t tack or nail cords to walls or floors.
- Keep anything electrical away from water. Never reach for or unplug an item that has fallen into water; instead, turn the power off at the breaker before you unplug or remove the item from water.
- If you have flickering lights, sparks, a buzzing sound, non-functioning outlets or need wiring repairs, contact a licensed electrician.
- Watch for overhead lines outside every time you use a ladder, work on roofs or trees, or carry long tools or equipment.
- At least 3 days before starting any project involving digging, call 811 – the Dig Safe System for the Northeast. They will mark underground utility lines, pipes and cables for free.
- Avoid planting trees underneath power lines or near utility equipment.
- If you are around downed power lines:
- Call 911 and your utility company to report the downed line.
- Stay away – even if the lines don’t hum or spark, downed lines can still be live and dangerous.
- Shuffle your feet – don’t run! The safest way to move away is to shuffle with your feet together and on the ground. If you run or take large steps, you increase the chance that electricity could come up one leg and go out the other, and you could be seriously injured.
