Electric Home Safety

General Safety Tips

• Electrical safety begins with proper wiring. Wiring should be installed and checked by a qualified electrician. Every home should have at least a 100-amp service (200-amp service or larger for homes heated electrically).
• All appliances and electrical cords should carry approval of the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or some other authorized laboratory.
• Plugs on electrical appliance cords should be the grounded, three-prong type.
• Check cords for wear, especially at plugs and connections.
• Keep cords away from heat and water. Do not wrap cords around any metal device or pipe. Keep cords out of the way so people won't trip over them.
• Never disconnect an appliance by pulling on the cord; always pull the plug.
• All convenience outlets should be grounded.
• Electrical outlets for outdoor use should be weatherproof.
• Every major appliance should have its own circuit.
• Do not use or handle appliances if you are wet or are standing on a wet surface. Do not use electrical tools or appliances outdoors if it is raining or is wet.
• Power tools should have heavy duty, grounded cords.
• Moisture resistant appliance cords should be used outdoors.
• Do not operate an electric lawn mower in wet grass.
• All antennas should be grounded.
• Teach your children not to fly kites near power lines.
• Do not touch electrical wires that have fallen…they may be energized.
• Never go inside the fence around a power substation.
• Never install metal objects, such as CB or TV antennas, closer than twice their height to the nearest electric power line.
• Never use metal elevators, metal irrigation pipes, well digging equipment, metal ladders, or other metal equipment near power lines.
• Make sure every family member knows the location of the main fuses or circuit breaker for the residence and understands how to operate it in case of an emergency.