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.
Electrical Safety Campaigns
If you'd like to organize an electrical safety campaign for
your organization, contact the National Electrical Safety Foundation for more
information, or contact us.
