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Cords: Make sure cords are in good
condition; not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic
areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or
to other objects and should not have any furniture resting on them.
Plugs:
Make sure the proper type plug is in each outlet. If you are using
three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut off
the ground pin (the third/bottom prong) from the plug; this could lead
to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong
adapter.
NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. This could
lead to fire or shock. Plugs should fit securely into outlets; and
outlets should not be overloaded.
Outlets:
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat
and lead to fire. Replace any broken wall plates. Make sure there are
safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Ground Fault Circuit Interupters (GFCIs): GFCIs should be used in
any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCIs
regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Light Bulbs:
Check the wattage of all bulbs in lighting fixtures to make sure they
are the correct wattage for the fixture. Replace bulbs that have
higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct
wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure the
bulbs are screwed in securely - loose bulbs may overheat.
Circuit
Breakers/Fuses: Circuit breakers and fuses should be the
correct size for the circuits. If you don't know the correct size
fuse, have an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used.
Never replace a fuse with anything but the correct size fuse.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX: Don't place any electrical
appliance near water such as a sink or bathtub. Appliances that are
used near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an
appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and don't use it until it has
been checked by a qualified repair person.
Entertainment/Computer Equipment: Check to see that the
equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks
or damage in wiring, plugs, cords and connectors.
Electricity always tries to get to the ground. If you get in the
way, electricity could go through you to get there! Contact with
electricity can cause:
- Electrical shock - this is when electrical current passes through
the body. Even a small shock can be frightening and painful.
- Burns - Electric current can burn the skin, nerves, muscles and
tissues in the body.
- Death - A severe electrical shock can cause problems with a person's
breathing and heartbeat, possibly leading to death.
Remember, electricity is very safe-as long as you are careful.
Outdoors
Never touch any outdoor wires with your body or any object. You
should know that:
- Outdoor wires may not be covered with insulating material to
protect you. In other cases, the weather may have damaged the
insulation.
- Birds can sit on wires because they aren't "grounded" (no part of
them is touching the ground). Remember, electricity is always seeking
a path to the ground.
- Lineworkers wear special clothing and use special equipment to
protect them when working on power lines and other equipment.
Remember these tips when you're playing with kites, model planes or
balloons.
- Stay away from electric wires and anything that touches them. Fly
your kite or model plane in an open space, such as a field or park.
- Use only nonconducting materials to make a kite. Use plastic, paper,
wood and string. Be sure your kite doesn't contain wire, metal or
foil.
- Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if your toy gets caught in
power lines. Call your electric utility if you need help.
- Don't fly toys in the rain or in a storm. Wet strings or wires can
conduct electricity.
- Don't release metallic balloons outside. They are dangerous
conductors of electricity.
More ways to be safe outdoors:
- Watch out for overhead wires when you're around trees, or if
you're using a ladder, pool skimmer or any long object.
- Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires run through it or
near it. Even if wires aren't touching the tree, they could touch
after your weight is added to the branch.
- Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including:
rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
- Make sure tools and appliances are approved for outdoor use. They
are made with heavier wiring, special insulating and three-way
grounded plugs.
- Be alert for damaged plugs and cords on outdoor electrical
appliances and fixtures. Don't touch or use them if they are damaged.
Outdoor electrical outlets should have weatherproof covers and GFCIs
(ground fault circuit interrupters) to protect against shock.Tell an
adult if you notice a problem.
Stay away from metal fences that are electrified to protect property
or keep in animals. (Other metal fences could become electrified by a
downed wire. Be very careful, especially after a storm.)
Indoors
Always be careful when you use any electrical appliance or toy
inside your home. Remember these tips:
- Never put your finger or anything other than an electrical plug
in an outlet.
- Pull by the plug not the cord when unplugging an appliance.
- Don't use an electrical appliance when you're wet, have wet hands or
you're standing in water. Be sure outlets near water sources have GFCIs.
- Limit the number of appliances plugged into each outlet.
- Be alert for damaged plugs and cords. Don't touch them! Tell an
adult.
- Do not place electric cords so that they run through doorways or
under carpets.
Electrical Storms
Lightning is powerful electricity in the air. Knowing what to do
during an electrical storm can help keep you safe.
- Get inside a building, if possible. Keep away from windows and
open doors.
- Don't use electrical appliances or the telephone. Lightning can
follow the wires into your home.
- Stay out of the shower or bathtub. Lightning can travel through the
pipes, too.
- Avoid trees, poles and other tall objects. Also avoid large metal
objects. These things are targets for lightning.
- Go to low ground and crouch down low if you're caught outdoors.
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Stay out of the water-never go swimming or boating during a storm.
If you're in the water, get out as quickly as possible.
What to do in an electrical emergency
Downed Wire
Stay away from all downed wires-even if there are no sparks. Don't
touch anything-or anyone-that is touching one. Get help right away.
Downed Wire Touching a Vehicle
If you are inside the vehicle, wait inside for help. If you must get
out, jump clear without touching the ground and the vehicle at the
same time. Shuffle, don't run away. If you are a witness, stay clear
and call for help.
Electrical Fire
Get help right away. Unplug the faulty appliance or turn off the
power, if possible. Never throw water on an electrical fire!
Electrical Shock
Never touch a person who is being shocked. Unplug the faulty appliance
or turn off the power, if possible. Call for help immediately.
For additional safety information visit the
National Safety Council
Source: National Electrical Safety Foundation
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