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Safety first
Electricity powers modern life, but it is dangerous if not handled carefully. Check back
here each month for new tips on how to stay safe around electric power at your home or business. Spring has sprung, bringing warmer temperatures, higher humidity and chances for pop-up storms. It’s a good time to focus on electrical safety indoors and out
- Minimize water dangers. Any electrical outlets that can be exposed to wetness, whether outside or in bathrooms and kitchens, need to be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent shocks.
- Inspect outdoor equipment. Before starting landscaping projects, check lawnmowers, trimmers and their cords for frayed wires, cracks or other damage. Also, keep all outdoor tools in a dry area.
- Handle cords with care. Don’t run extension cords under rugs or through wet areas, and take extra care to protect children and pets by covering unused outlets and keeping charging cords out of reach.
- Steer clear of power lines. If you see downed power lines, always assume they are live — never go near them or anything they touch. Also, avoid digging near any underground lines. Call 811 to have them located and marked.
- Don’t overload outlets. As use of air conditioning increases, avoid overloading circuits with multiple highwattage appliances
- Upgrade lighting. Switch to LED lighting to reduce heat generation and electrical load as temperatures rise.