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.