Spring Safety

Warmer weather stimulates an increase in outdoor work in many parts of the country, both on the job and at home. A focus on electrical safety awareness can help ensure these activities do not result in injuries and deaths.

Following a few simple safety rules can help reduce the number of electrical deaths and injuries:

• Ladders—even those made of wood—that come into contact with a power line can prove fatal. Keep all ladders at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use.
• Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items.
• Water and electricity do not mix. Avoid damp conditions — including wet grass — when using electricity.

Featured Resources

Safety Tips

• Look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure that it will not come within 10 feet of any power lines.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Contact your utility company immediately to report downed power lines outside your home.
• Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay at least ten feet away from a downed power line and any nearby objects it may be touching, such as a fence or a tree limb.
• Never touch a person who is in contact with a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.
• Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone – and it could do that through your body.

Downed Power Line Safety Tips

• If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized.
• You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live.
• The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 for help.
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
• Be careful not to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay away from your car.
• If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the car.