May is National Electrical Safety Month
Don't let accidents ruin your spring…
Understanding potential hazards of electricity is important every month, but this month is especially appropriate for a few reminders from the National Electrical Safety Foundation.
- Educate children about the dangers of electricity. Forbid them from playing around power lines, electrical equipment, appliances, transformers or substations. Teach them not to stick anything except plugs into electrical sockets.
- Wait until the rain stops before powering up outdoor electrical tools or appliances, and even then, don’t use one with wet hands or on a wet surface.
- Indoors, use caution when operating electrical devices in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry where water is in use.
- Make sure your tools and appliances are in good working order and that the cords aren't cut or frayed. Prongs on the plugs should not be bent or loose. Do not remove the grounding prong from any plug that has one- it's there to prevent electrocution.
- Stay away from fallen wires and anyone touching them. Call 911 or Cobb EMC at 770-429-2100 for help if you see a line on the ground. If a power line falls on your car while you're inside it, stay in the car until help arrives. Don't touch any metal and warn others to keep a safe distance.
- Never hide extension cords under rugs. Keep them away from moisture, heat or metal pipes.
Buy a fire extinguisher and smoke detector for each floor of your house; test smoke detector batteries frequently.