Electrical Safety Outdoors

Electrical Safety Outdoors

Stay Safe Outdoors: Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Residential Customers

Whether you're working or having fun, ensure your safety outdoors where electricity is present. We've got six valuable tips to keep you out of harm's reach:

1. KEEP CLEAR OF POWER LINES

·     When power lines are nearby, use wooden or fiberglass ladders--not metal.


·     Never place a ladder where it can fall into a power line.


·     Carry ladders or long-handled tools low enough to avoid coming into contact with overhead lines.


·     Don't install an antenna where it might fall and hit a power line.

2. CHECK OUT YOUR EQUIPMENT


·     Keep all electrical appliances a safe distance away from water and don't use power tools when standing in wet areas.


·     Never use an electric mower when the grass is wet.


·     Power tools should be properly grounded, and use only heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.


·     Make sure outdoor electrical outlets are grounded and have weather proof covers.

 

3. LANDSCAPE WITH CARE

  • Know what’s below and call 811 before you dig even an inch. They can tell you the location of any underground lines (electrical, water, gas, phone or cable).

  • Don't plant tall-growing trees under power lines. If you have a tree with power lines running through it, don't climb it or build anything in it. Call if the tree needs trimming.

  • Keep bushy shrubs away from your meter.
4. AVOID SUBSTATIONS AND TRANSFORMERS


  • Instruct your children to stay away from utility substation fences and pad-mounted transformers.

  • If you see a substation fence or transformer cabinet that has been vandalized, call your utility immediately.

  • Teach children to look for "DANGER" signs displayed on all high-voltage equipment.
5. FLY WITH SAFETY



  • Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines. It is also important never to use wire or metal on kites--only dry string.

  • Don't release metallic balloons. They can get caught in power lines and cause outages.

  • Let the utility untangle kites or balloons that do get snagged on overhead lines. Don't try to do it yourself.
6. LEAVE DOWNED POWER LINES ALONE

  •  If you come across a downed power line, call us immediately. DO NOT GO NEAR IT.

  • If a power line falls on your car, stay inside unless the car catches on fire. In such a case, jump clear of the car without touching metal and the ground at the same time.

  • If someone comes in contact with a live power line, the only safe thing to do is call the utility immediately so the power can be turned off. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE VICTIM OR THE POWER LINE.


Making electrical safety a part of your daily routine is crucial for the well-being of you and your loved ones. Ensure you use this valuable resource wisely and stay prepared for any emergency situations. Keep emergency numbers easily accessible near your phone to take prompt action when needed. Your proactive approach to electrical safety will provide peace of mind and protect your family. 


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