Just as it is important for our employees to work safely around electricity, it is equally important for cooperative members to live and play safely around electricity. It is so easy to forget safe practices at home because so often electricity works quietly behind the scenes.
Here are some important safety tips for everyone to remember:
- Install safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children
- Install ground fault current interrupters (GFCIs) in the place of normal electrical outlets, especially in areas where water and electricity may come in contact with each other
- Check extension cords to make sure they are not cracked or frayed
- Never use extension cords under rugs or carpets
- Use the proper wattage light bulb in light fixtures and lamps to prevent overheating (or better yet, install compact fluorescent or LED bulbs to save electricity)
- When buying electrical products, look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from bedding, clothing, draperies, etc.
- When using a ladder outdoors, always look up to make sure you will not touch any power lines
- Never touch downed or low hanging power lines
Before you start any type of digging project (i.e. planting trees and shrubs, installing landscaping lights, etc.) around your home, call 811 so any underground power lines can be located and properly marked