Electric Safety Tips

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Electricity is incredibly important in our everyday lives. The use of electricity is so ubiquitous that it is easy to forget how powerful and dangerous electricity can be. If not taken seriously, electricity accidents can cause severe bodily damage and even death.

Below, you will find some electric safety tips provided by The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Indoor Safety

  • Check the durability of all your electric cords. Repair or replace any cords that appear to be damaged.
  • When unplugging an electric cord, always grab and pull the plug, not the cord.
  • Use extension cords sparingly. Try not to use extension cords for long periods of time. Whenever using extension cords, ensure that you do not exceed the amperage capability of the cord. (This information will be printed on the cord).
  • Keep all electric devices away from water sources, such as sinks or bathtubs. If your device falls into the water, never reach in to retrieve it!
  • Never use a metal object to dislodge something from an electric appliance. For example, don’t use a fork or knife to remove an object from your toaster.
  • Make sure your electric plugs fit snuggly and securely in the outlet. You don’t want the plug barely fitting in or dangling out, but you also do not want to force the plug into the outlet.
  • Be sure to place lamps on level surfaces and away from things that can burn. Also make sure that you use bulbs within the lamp’s recommended wattage range.

Outdoor Safety

  • Always treat a downed power line as a live power line. Do not touch it or any objects close to it. If you see a downed power line, immediately contact your electric company and/or call 911 to report it.
  • When using a ladder near a power line, avoid using a metal ladder, as metal conducts electricity. Instead, use a ladder made from fiberglass or dry wood.
  • Never use electric powered lawn tools in rainy, moist conditions.
  • Never allow children to fly kites or other toys near power lines. If an object becomes tangled in power lines, do not attempt to dislodge it. Call your electric company for assistance.
  • If you need to do any type of digging on your property, call the Ohio Utilities Protect Service at (800) 362–2764 to have your underground electric and utility wires checked. Please make your call at least 48 hours prior to digging.

Accidents

  • If someone is injured because of an electric shock, do not touch the victim. Turn off the power source that shocked the victim and call for medical assistance.
  • Never attempt to put out an electrical fire with water. In the event of an electrical fire, unplug the appliance, turn off the circuit or fuse, and use an electrical fire approved fire extinguisher.
  • If you encounter a downed power line while in a car, stay in your car and call for assistance. If you must get out of the car, be sure to jump away from your car and don’t touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time—this will prevent you from potentially completing a circuit between the downed power line and your car. After you have exited safely, immediately seek help – do not attempt to physically assist anyone still in the vehicle.

For more information on electric safety, visit the PUCO website or the NFPA electrical safety tips webpage.