Energy Info

Energy Safety

• Check to make sure all electric cords are free of fraying or cracking. Replace any cords that may be damaged.
• Fix electrical problems right away. If fuses blow often, circuit breakers trip often, switches get hot or people are shocked, something is wrong.
• When unplugging appliances, always pull from the plug, not the cord.
• Avoid using extension cords, especially for a long period of time. Do not string extension cords together, and make sure that the appliances do not exceed the amperage capability of the extension cord.
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• Keep all electric appliances away from sinks, baths, and other water sources. If an appliance falls into water, never reach in to get it.
• Check labels on lamps and use the right size bulb. Check the label on your fuse box and be sure you use the right size fuses.
• Never use a metal object to dislodge something from an electric appliance.
• Make sure all electric plugs fit securely into the outlet. Never try to force a plug into an outlet, or use another object to make the plug fit.
• Avoid overloading an outlet with too many appliances.
• Do not ever let anyone who says they work for your utility or energy supplier into your home without proper identification.
• If anyone in your household is using life-sustaining equipment that runs on electricity, make sure that your utility and energy supplier are aware of it. They will make you a priority should there ever be an interruption in service.

• Downed power lines are often caused by thunderstorms or other severe weather. Always treat a downed power line as if it were live, and do not touch it or any objects around it. If you see a downed power line, contact the police department, fire department, or your electric company immediately.
• Keep all ladders, scaffolding, and tools at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines. For high-voltage lines, allow even more clearance. Remember that overhead power lines may not be insulated like normal electric cords, so you should never touch an overhead line.
• Use clean, dry wood or fiberglass ladders around electric lines instead of metal.
• When installing an antenna on the roof, allow a distance of at least 1.5 times the length of the antenna away from any power line. If the antenna falls during installation, do not attempt to catch it.
• Select low-growing plants and shrubs that will not grow high enough to touch overhead power lines. If you are landscaping near an electric transformer, plant at least 10 feet away from it.
• Don't attempt to trim trees or shrubs that are growing near power lines. Call the local electric company if there are trees growing too close to a power line.
• Don't use electric powered lawn tools in wet conditions.
• Always wear rubber-soled shoes or boots when using electric lawn tools. Never operate an electric tool barefoot.

• Talk to your children about electricity and let them know that it can be harmful if they are not careful.
• Never allow children to climb trees that are touching electric lines.
• Never allow children to fly kites, balloons, or other toys near power lines. If a flying toy becomes tangled in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, call your local electric company for assistance.
• Let your children know the importance of keeping electrical appliances away from water.
• If you have young children, place plastic covers in all electrical outlets within their reach.

• If someone receives an electric shock, do not touch the victim because you could receive a shock. Immediately turn off the power source and call for medical assistance.
• If an electrical appliance catches on fire, do not try to put the fire out with water. Unplug the appliance, turn off the fuse or circuit, and use a fire extinguisher approved for use on electrical fires.
• If you are in a car and come in contact with a downed power line, stay in the car and call for help. If you need to get out of the car, jump away from the car and do not touch both the car and the ground at the same time. Immediately call for help, and do not provide physical assistance to anyone who may still be in the car.