12 Tips for a safer home or business
The start of National Electrical Safety Month is a reminder to take inventory of electrical components around your home and business. It’s also a good time to share with others the importance of staying safe near overhead and underground power lines and other electrical equipment.
Always stay away from any power lines that may fall to the ground and always assume they’re energized. If you see a fallen line report it by calling 1-800-342-5775 and we’ll send someone out to the location.
Here are some electrical safety tips to consider all-year round.
Inside your home or business:
- Make sure all power cords are in good condition and not frayed or cracked.
- Do not put nails or staples through cords and don’t run cords under carpeting.
- Make sure plugs fit securely and are not forced into an outlet.
- Use light bulbs that are the correct, recommended wattage.
- Use extension cords only for temporary, not permanent wiring.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity can make contact.
- Contact a licensed electrical contractor if you have flickering lights, sparks, non-functioning outlets, or need wiring repairs or upgrades.
Outside:
- Before doing any work that involves ladders or climbing, make sure there are no power lines overhead.
- Know what’s below! Call 811 at least three business days before starting a project that involves digging.
- Don’t plant trees under power lines or near other electrical equipment.
- Stay away from pad-mounted transformers, the large green metal boxes that are typically seen on the ground in housing developments.
- Keep power tools away from water and don’t operate then when it’s raining.
For more electrical safety resources, check out pplelectric.com/safety.