Electrical Safety

Outdoor   Safety Tips

• Before you do any deep digging or drilling, be sure there are no underground utilities where you plan to work. Call DIG-TESS at 1-800-DIG-TESS (1-800-344-8377). Visit the DIG-TESS Web Site for more information.
• 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. "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.
• 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 cellular 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 the power line leading to your house.

Indoor   Safety Tips

• To be safe, wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local wiring inspector. Your house or apartment may be inadequately wired if:

1. Lights dim and motors slow down when an appliance goes on.
2. Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently.
3. Toasters or irons fail to heat properly.
4. The television picture shrinks.

• Turn main power off before replacing a fuse or adjusting circuit breakers.
• Install outlets with a ground fault interrupter (GFI) wherever water/moisture is nearby.
• Never pull a plug out by the cord.
• Regularly check wires, extension cords and appliances for signs of wear.
• Use appliances and power tools with three-pronged plugs.
• Never touch appliances, wires or electrical switches with wet hands or feet.
• Turn television set and other appliances off during a lightning storm.
• Smoke alarms are essential.  They must be properly located, vacuumed and tested regularly.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your home. It should be checked every six months. Use a class "C" all-purpose extinguisher on electrical fires. Never use water on an electrical fire.
• Never place electrical cords across traffic areas or under carpets.
• Be sure appliance and extension cords are not cracked or frayed.
• Purchase small appliances that have been approved by OSHA certified laboratories such as the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Don't plug too many appliances into one outlet.
• Never use any electrical appliance in the tub or shower.
• If there are small children in your house, use plastic safety caps in unused outlets.
• Never insert a metal object into an appliance without disconnecting the appliance.
• Set your water heater at the "medium" setting to avoid burns. Always perform the " elbow test" before placing an infant in the tub.

Electrical   Safety Tips for Kids

• Never touch electrical outlets with your fingers or with objects.
• Never play with electrical cords, wires or switches.
• If you're in the bathtub, shower, or standing on a wet floor never touch anything electrical like a light switch or hairdryer.
• When playing outdoors never play around electrical wires or equipment.
• Stay away from areas marked DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE.
• BTU sponsors safety programs especially designed for school-aged children. Educators within our service territory are encouraged to schedule one of the programs by calling BTU at 979-821-5725.
• Never climb utility poles, transmission towers or fences around substations.
• Climb trees that are far away from power lines. Learn to look up to check for power lines before climbing trees.
• Never throw objects at wires or utility poles.
• And if you like to fly kites, remember these safety rules:

1. Fly kites only in dry weather and in open spaces, away from power lines.
2. Never use wire or metal in a kite.
3. If your kite gets caught in a power line, leave it there and call BTU (Tugging at it could pull live wires to the ground.)