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Home & Electrical Safety

Downed power lines are dangerous. Never touch them. For safety’s sake, always assume that a fallen power line is live, and follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid touching the downed line with your hand or an object, such as a stick, broom, or pole
  • Avoid touching anything, such as a car, object, or equipment, or anyone who is in contact with a fallen power line
  • Keep children and pets away from fallen electric lines
  • Avoid driving over a fallen power line
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately to report a fallen power line
  • Breaker or fuse boxes control electric circuits in your home and are protective devices. If a circuit “trips” and the reason is not apparent, have an electrician find out what is going on. Never try to “cheat” a fuse box with a penny — you’re only inviting the possibility of fire.
  • Cut, punctured, or scuffed electric cords are dangerous! Replace them immediately.
  • Never run a cord under a rug or through a wet area.
  • 3-pronged plugs are essential. The third prong is there to ground the wire and prevent shocks, so never tamper with it.
  • If an appliance sputters, sparks, or buzzes, turn it off and get it fixed. Make sure any electric appliance you purchase has the Underwriters Laboratory tag or label (UL Approved).
  • Never overload a circuit or daisy-chain power strips. This invites danger by overloading the circuit.
  • Make sure any portable space heaters have a protective shut-off if tipped.
  • Never use space heaters near curtains or flammable material.
  • It still happens: People stick forks in toasters while the toaster is working. Always unplug or turn off any appliance before working with it.