Around the house, there are many potential dangers related to electricity. Here are a few tips to help you avoid accidents and spot potential problems:
- Replace damage or frayed electric cords and don’t put them under carpets or rugs.
- Remember, extension cords are only for temporary use. Prolonged use of extension cords can cause overheating.
- Never pull a cord; always pull the plug.
- Don’t overload the circuit. Using multiple plug-in adapters or power strips could cause a potential safety hazard.
- Make sure you use the correct wattage of light bulbs in lamps, lighting fixtures and all other appliances.
- Keep halogen lamps away from curtains or other flammable materials.
- Keep space heaters away from things that can catch fire such as curtains, rugs or newspapers.
- Have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed by licensed electricians in your main electrical panel, or have GFCIs installed in the kitchen and bathrooms, laundry rooms, porches and patios—places where electric shock has a greater chance of occurring. Properly installed GFCIs reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Never reach for an appliance that has fallen into water.
- If an appliance falls into water, get everyone out of that room. Do not unplug the appliance. Turn the power off at the fuse or breaker box and then unplug the appliance or remove it from the water.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using appliances, heating pads and electric blankets.
- Always use the correct size for fuses and circuit breakers. Incorrect amperage fuses or circuit breakers can cause power outages or fires. If fuses continually need to be replaced and circuit breakers reset, if you hear unusual buzzing sounds, or see sparks or flickering lights, contact a licensed electrician.
Electric safety extends outside the house. Here are a few tips to help you avoid electrical accidents and spot potential problems once you set foot outside:
- Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and don’t touch anything that is on or near a power line, like trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders and antennas.
- Never move any large or tall object without first looking up for clearance. Any item that comes in contact with a power line can be potentially dangerous. If you touch a power line with a ladder, you could be seriously injured or killed. Always follow safety instructions printed on the ladder.
- Never cut down trees toward power lines or climb trees near power lines.
- When working on a roof, be aware of any power lines that are overhead.
- When moving antennas, metal gutters or other long objects, be extra careful to make sure they don’t accidentally touch a power line.
- Keep electric appliances and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses. Remember, electricity and water don’t mix.
- When painting your house, make sure that you, your ladder, your paintbrush or roller, don’t come in contact with a power line.
- When pruning trees with a long-handled pruning instrument, especially a metal one, check above you to avoid touching a power line or any limbs that are growing near power lines.
- If you plan to cut limbs or trees that are near overhead power lines, call your local cooperative for assistance.