Electrical Safety at Home or Work-place

Electricity is an important part of our lives that cannot be taken for granted. Electricity must be treated with caution and respect. Practice safety precautions and these following tips to remain safe:

Never go near or touch power lines. Assume every wire is "live" and never assume a line is "dead."

Be cautious of downed wires. If you happen to come across downed wires, call the National Electric Service (NES). Keep people and pets away from the wire until the NES or police arrive.

Do not fly kites, balloons or model airplanes near power lines. If one gets caught in a line, do not try to remove it. Leave it alone.

Before you move a metal ladder or scaffolding, check to see that it's clear of power lines. They can be deadly if contact occurs with a line.

Never climb trees, poles, or steel towers whose upper branches are contacting, or even near power lines.

Never use water on electrical fires. Have everyone leave the house and call the fire department if you cannot extinguish it. If the fire is a small appliance, unplug the appliance or turn off the electricity. DO NOT TOUCH APPLIANCES. Use a class C fire extinguisher, which is recommended for electrical fires.

Never repair a break in an outdoor extension cord. Throw the cord away and buy a new one.

Don't use indoor lights for outdoor purposes. Use only bulbs, extension cords, wiring, outlets, and other fixtures specifically designed for outdoor use. (Check the manufacturer's instructions and the Underwriters Laboratories approval).

Don't touch appliances, cords or plugs with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. Don't put electrical tools, appliances or cords in water.

Keep electric rotisseries, radios, wiring for outdoor lighting and other electrical devices away from swimming pools. Never touch an electrical device while in a swimming pool or when standing in water.

You can use a non-conductor, such dry rope or wood to push or pull the victim away from the power source.

Never raise any tall object near a power line. Carry it level with the ground and be cautious when removing water pipes and well casings.

Never attempt to open or tamper with transformers. Don't plant shrubs and trees close to them - bushes and trees should be at least ten feet away from the front of the transformer.

Take extra precautions when using power tools. Your electrical wiring should be adequate for the job. Circuits should be grounded. The tools should be three-pronged or double insulated.

Protect cords from heat, chemicals and oil. Coil cords loosely when storing tools. If cords are broken, get new ones or shorten them. Never splice broken cords.

During severe weather, temporary low-voltage conditions can dim lights and remain low longer than a minute. In such cases, turn off or unplug all motorized appliances. Also, turn off televisions and fluorescent lamps.