Safety at Home

 

Electricity is a necessity for modern-day living, but electricity can be dangerous if it is not dealt with properly. To avoid electrical injury, treat electricity with respect using these safety tips.

 Practice electrical safety at home
 
  • Always contact a qualified professional to do any electrical servicing.
  • Equip all outdoor and bathroom outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
  • Do not overload electrical circuits.
  • Never stick toys, keys, fingers or anything else into an electrical outlet.
  • Do not plug or unplug electrical appliances or tools with wet hands or in wet conditions.
  • Replace damaged or frayed cords.
  • Do not attempt to disconnect your power meter. It could explode.
  • Use cords with a third prong, and always ensure the third prong remains in use.
     
 Avoid overhead power lines when:
 
  • Using a ladder.
  • Pruning or cutting trees.
  • Cleaning a pool.
  • Installing or moving an antenna.
  • Working on the roof.
  • Carrying long tools or pipes.
  • Setting up and moving scaffolding.
  • Moving augers, grain truck boxes, wing-type cultivators and air seeders.
     
 Be safe around fallen and sagging wires
 
  • Always assume a downed power line to be energized.
  • Stay at least 15 metres (45 feet) away from downed power lines. If you feel a tingling sensation, place your feet together and shuffle or hop out of the area without touching anything.
  • Never touch an energized wire with your hand or any other object.
  • If you notice a damaged electrical facility, notify your electric company immediately.
     
 Teach children to respect electricity
 
  • Never play around power substations, poles, towers, or fences or trees near power lines.
  • Never fly kites near overhead power lines.
  • Never spray water guns or hoses at power lines.
  • Never try to open or poke sticks or other objects into underground transformer boxes.
  • Obey ‘keep out’, ‘danger’ or ‘high voltage’ warning signs.
  • Avoid going outside during a lightning storm.