|
- NEVER touch a downed power line! It may be live and touching it might allow
electricity to pass through you to the ground - injuring or killing you!
- NEVER fly a kite or a remote control plane near power lines. Choose a wide open place. If
your kite gets caught in a power line, LEAVE IT THERE. Ask the utility company to get it down.
- If you're climbing trees, check first before climbing to make sure there are no power lines
going through the tree. Trees contain enough moisture to conduct electricity and touching a limb
that's in contact with a power line could injure you. Choose another tree to climb if lines
touch the tree.
- When you carry tall objects such as poles or ladders - look up! Be cautious with swimming
pool tools, long boards, metal pipes and ladders. Watch out for electric wires running overhead.
Hitting a power line with a pole could allow dangerous current to pass through the pole and throw
you to the ground.
- Never try to fix an appliance by inserting a metal object into it without unplugging it first.
Metal conducts electricity very well and will shock you.
- Don't overload a socket or plug with too many plug-ins or with several high wattage appliances.
Overloaded circuits can overheat and cause a fire. Find an empty socket or have more outlets installed by
the electrician.
- Don't ever touch or go near a fallen wire, even if you think there is no electricity. Don't touch anything (like a car, etc.) that the wire touches. Call the utility company right away. Keep curious children and pets away. Electricity can pass through objects, people and animals to reach the ground.
- If you see smoke or fire coming from wires, electric motors or appliances, disconnect the power source and call the fire department. Leaving the appliance plugged in could make the fire worse.
- Never throw water on an electrical fire. Electricity can pass through the water (an excellent conductor) to shock you. Arcs from the electrical source could make the situation worse.
- Never use any electric appliance in the tub or shower or touch any cord or appliance with wet hands. Electricity can pass through you to the grounded plumbing fixtures in your home.
- If you see worn wires, sparks or smoke from an appliance, don't touch it - the appliance is damaged. There could be exposed wires or short circuits that could shock you. Disconnect the power source by tripping a breaker or fuse.
- Don't touch a person who is being shocked by touching a live wire outdoors or a plugged in appliance inside. The current can pass through them and shock you, too. Don't touch the downed wire and disconnect the power source inside before touching the person. Call 911 and the power company right away.
- Make sure every family member knows what to do in case of an electrical emergency.
|
|
