Liberty Utilities announces that May is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month to increase awareness of the importance of being safe around electric appliances, equipment and power lines to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss incidents.
“With the future becoming increasingly electric, it’s important to know how to safely use and be around electrical technology, appliances and infrastructure,” says the utility. “Here are some safety tips to remember — and not just in May, but all year long.”
Electrical safety tips for inside the home:
- Keep appliances away from water or wet hands.
- Do not put metal objects in live parts of appliances or in outlets.
- Use outlet covers to help keep children safe around outlets.
- If an appliance overheats, unplug it and have it checked by a professional.
- When unplugging a cord, only pull on the plug head, not on the cord itself.
- Do not carry an appliance by its cord.
- Turn off space heaters and cooking appliances before leaving home.
Extension cord and power strip tips:
- Inspect extension cords and power strips for any damage prior to use.
- Do not connect two extension cords, as this may result in overloaded circuits, short circuits and damaged cords. Instead, use a longer extension cord.
- Do not run cords through walls, doorways or ceilings, or under rugs or carpet, as this may cause a fire.
- Verify whether extension cords and power strips are marked for indoor or outdoor use and use where appropriate.
Electrical safety tips for outside the home:
- Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, and at least 30 feet away from downed power lines. Call 911 or the utility to report a downed line.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines when using a ladder.
- Do not overload outdoor electrical and/or extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
- Install weatherproof covers on outdoor electrical outlets.
- Call 811 before digging to have underground lines marked for free.
Electric vehicle charging safety tips:
- Inspect the EV charging cable before use and do not use a damaged charger.
- Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
- Do not use an extension cord when charging EVs.
- Only use manufacturer-provided or approved charging cables.
- Properly store chargers when not in use to help prevent damage.
- Be aware of surroundings to avoid contact with chargers when driving or parking.
- Have a qualified electrician install an EV charger.
More tips and information are available at libertyenergyandwater.com.