Summer Safety Sense

It's hard to think of summer without also thinking of fun. New Enterprise and the Electrical Safety Foundation are here to remind you that whether enjoying outdoor activities, hitting the road on vacation, or relaxing with a good book, take a little time to review summer safety with your family and friends.

Top electrical hazards during the summer are often related to storms. Lightning strikes, power outages and electrical hazards in the aftermath of storms are often the causes of death and injury during summer months. Let's all keep the following in mind:

Water + Electricity = Danger

Water and electricity don't mix. To reduce electrical hazards, here's some safety advice for folks who love swimming and boating:

Sailboats often have masts of 30 feet or more, which are dangerous when they come into contact with overhead power lines. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
Use outlet covers on outdoor receptacles near swimming pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from pools. Never handle electrical items when you are wet.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.
Electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Replace those that have been submerged.
Do not allow power cord connections to become wet.
Outdoors, dangers such as power lines in contact with water can pose electrical hazards.
Indoors, submerged outlets or electrical cords may be energizing the water, a potential lethal trap.
When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock.

Safety During and After Storms

Take care when stepping into a flooded area, and be aware that submerged outlets or electrical cords may energize the water, posing a potential lethal trap.

Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. Electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard, or overheat and cause a fire. A qualified service repair dealer should recondition electrical equipment that has been wet. Certain equipment will require complete replacement, while a trained professional can recondition other devices.

Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone and it could do that through your body. The following tips can help you stay safe around downed lines:

If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it. The proper way to move away from the 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 a downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
Do not drive over downed lines.
If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
If you must leave your car because it's on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Portable Generators

Take special care with portable electric generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly.

Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs. A qualified, licensed electrician should install your generator to ensure that it meets local electrical codes. Other tips include:

Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
Keep the generator dry.
Plug appliances directly into the generator.
Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts, worn insulation, and have three-pronged plugs.
Do not overload the generator.
Do not operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation