General Electric Safety Tips

• Electrical safety begins with proper wiring. Wiring should be installed and checked by a qualified electrician. Every home should have at least a 100 amp service. (200 amp service or larger for homes heated electrically)

• All appliances and electrical cords should carry approval of the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or some other authorized laboratory.  

• When a fuse is "blown", it should be replaced by one of the proper size.

• Electric plugs on appliances should always have a three–prong type plug for grounding. Check cords often for wear and tear.

• Every major appliance should have its own circuit.

• Use only weather proof outlets for outdoors.

• All antennas should be grounded.

• All family members should know where the main fuse or circuit breaker is and know how to operate it in case of an emergency.

• Do not overload extension cords and power strips with more appliances than what they are designed to handle.

• Never stand in water or on a wet floor when running electrical devices.

• Do not allow children to fly kites near power lines.
• Never use a fork or metal object to get items out of the toaster.
• Keep appliance cords out of reach of children.
• Use outlet covers when outlets are not in use.
• Do not allow children to climb trees that are near power lines.
• Do not have electrical appliances, (blow dryers, clocks, radios) near the bathtub within reach of children.

• Do not use electrical tools or appliances outdoors if it is raining.  
• Never touch electrical wires that have fallen…. they could be still energized.
• Never install antennas closer than twice their height to the nearest electric power line.
• Always be aware of the location of power lines when working on a roof,  installing antennas, using a ladder or any other object tall enough to touch power lines.
• By law, all outdoor electrical outlets should be supplied from circuits equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) Keep all electrical appliances, such as radios T.V.s, grills, etc. away from swimming pools.
• Do not get out of a vehicle if power lines are downed across it. The lines could be still energized, wait for help. 

• Bad Weather
• Birds and animals on power lines and equipment
• Accidents involving utility poles and lines
• Neighbors using large electric equipment

• Faulty wiring, loose connections or poor grounding
• Operations of heating and cooling systems
• Major appliances or other large motors switching off & on

Surges can seriously damage your home equipment. It is important to have surge protection in your home. See your REMC office for surge protection devices and detail. 

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