It's easy to practice electrical safety.
Remember that electricity always takes the shortest way
to the ground. It will go through wire, metal, wet objects...
or you. It's invisible, but very real, so treat it with
respect.
Wires run around, through and over
our houses. And each year hundreds are electrocuted in
their homes, and thousands are injured in electricity-related
accidents... Accidents that can be prevented with a little
foresight, and some common sense.
Here are some indoor safety
tips:
Keep appliances like hair dryers away from water-filled
tubs and sinks.
Unplug appliances before you clean them.
Use only appliances and equipment approved by Underwriters
Laboratories (look for the UL listing on the label),
or other recognized testing laboratories.
Don't overload outlets with cords. If your TV picture
shrinks or flickers when major appliances go on,
or if fuses or circuit breakers blow frequently,
you should have your circuits and wiring checked.
Never unplug or carry anything by its cord. And
don't run cords under carpets or furniture; the cords
can overheat and cause a fire.
Make it a habit to unplug small appliances when
they're not in use, and push them to the back of
your counters. And make sure you use all three prongs
of your electric plugs, and replace worn or frayed
cords immediately. Never force a plug into an outlet
if it doesn't fit, and never nail or tack cords to
walls or floors.
Teach your kids not to poke things into electrical
outlets, toasters, or any other appliances, whether
they're on or off. Use plug covers or inserts in
all your outlets.
Keep electrical cords away from kids' reach. Teach
them that electricity and water never mix. Keep all
radios, hair dryers and other appliances secured
or out of bathrooms.
Here are some outdoor safety
tips:
If you have overhead electrical service, watch
out for the drop line from the utility pole to your
house. Don't hit it with implements or let other
wires touch it. Be particularly careful when you
are unloading materials from your car or truck.
Overhead power lines might look insulated. They
aren't. The dark color may be weather protection
or oxidation... Not insulation. And even an insulated
line may have flaws in the insulation, and contact
could mean serious injury. Keep away! If you must
work near power lines, contact us or the utility
involved before you start work. Ask that safety measures
be taken, or the lines de-energized. We want to work
with you to make sure you work safely.
Outdoor outlets should be on a circuit protected
by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which
are required in newer homes in bathrooms, garages,
outdoors, and near sinks. GFCIs can be added as a
temporary plug-in adapter, added as a replacement
outlet, or even installed as a circuit breaker. Check
with your electrician for options.
Keep television and radio antennas away from power
lines. They should be far enough away to remain clear
if they were blown over.
Teach your kids never to fly kites near any power
lines. Toys or other objects caught in electrical
equipment should be left alone and the kids should
find an adult to help. Balls or other objects tossed
or falling into an electrical substation should be
left there. Call Dominion or the utility involved
to retrieve the item.
Teach your kids to recognize "Danger" signs
and not to climb in trees if power lines pass through
or near them. They should also know that pad-mounted
transformers (those metal cabinets on concrete pads)
are not safe places to play. If you have any question
call APS Home Inspection Service for the answers.
