10 Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips
Warmer weather means more time spent outside. With summer barbecues, outdoor play time and plenty of hours spent around water, it's important to always keep electrical safety in mind. Keep you and your family safe with these helpful outdoor safety tips.
Keep trees pruned and away from power lines overhead as well as where the power lines approach the house.
Do not fly kites, model aircraft or balloons near power lines.
When using a ladder, carefully inspect the surrounding area to be sure it is free from power lines.
Do not swim or play in water during an electrical storm, even if it is not raining.
Always assume that contact with a power line can be deadly.
Do not approach a downed power line to see if it is live - it may give no signs that can be easily observed, but it is just as deadly. Contact the authorities immediately about downed line
Before you do any deep digging or drilling, be sure there are no underground utilities where you plan to work. 811 before doing any digging.
STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED WIRES. Assume all downed wires are "live" and keep away from puddles and fences that are near the wires. Warn others away from downed wires. Have someone call 911 and the electric utility.
Use only extension cords and other electrical equipment designed for outdoor use and always keep the cords away from the cutting blades of saws and lawn tools.
Install outdoor outlets with ground fault interrupters (GFI).
Electric power tools should not be used in the rain, on wet surfaces, near a sprinkler or pool.
Before you install a rooftop antenna, be sure it is away from power lines. Locate antennas where they won't touch or fall on electrical lines. Make sure roof antennas are grounded.
Whenever possible, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder for outdoor work. Aluminum ladders could be dangerous around electrical lines. Stay away from the lines feeding power to your house.
If a power line falls on the car you're in, stay put until rescue or utility workers arrive. (It's safe to use a cell phone to call for help.)
If someone is shocked, do not touch them! First unplug the appliance or turn off power at the control panel. If you can't turn off the power, use a dry plastic or wooden broom handle to separate the victim from the power source. Call 911 for medical assistance.
Never build a swimming pool or other structure under a power line, including the one leading to your house.
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