SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU

Tips for spotting potential electrical hazards in your home

Electricity is a trusted source of power. If used carelessly, though, it can be electrifying in all the wrong ways. Here at Logan County Electric Cooperative, we encourage you to keep your family safe by plugging into these safety measures:

Inside the home

• Watch out for signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights or circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a qualified electrician if you suspect a problem.

• Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure all electric work matches current safety code requirements.

• Make sure ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are installed in areas where electrical devices may come into contact with water, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, and garage.

• In homes with young children, install tamperresistant outlets.

• Avoid overloading outlets; have additional outlets or circuits installed by a qualified electrician if needed.

• Use extension cords only temporarily, and never cover them with rugs or blankets.

• Keep your electrical panel free from obstructions.

Outside the home

• Install protective covers on all outdoor outlets and make sure they’re protected by GFCIs.

• Inspect power tools, including cords, for wear or damage before using.

• Store all power tools indoors to protect them from weather damage.

• Use extension cords marked for outdoor use and check for damage before using.

• Look around for overhead power lines before using a ladder or trimming a tree branch.

• Power lines may be located underground. Before digging, call 811 to have utility lines marked.

Teach kids about safety

To keep children safe from electrical hazards, follow these guidelines.

• Teach kids to never touch a power line or anything that may be touching a power line. This includes tree limbs, kite string, or anything else that’s in contact with a line. Make sure children never climb trees, build tree houses, or fly kites near power lines.

• Never allow children to play on or around green pad-mounted transformers that may be in their neighborhood.

• Use plastic outlet caps when there are young children in the home.

• Always keep power tools and electric lawn tools away from any sources of outdoor water, including sprinklers and pools.

• Never bathe children with a plugged-in electrical appliance like a radio or hair dryer nearby.

• Always unplug small appliances when not in use. Remember, every electrical device has a purpose and a service lifespan and none of them are designed to last forever. When electricity is involved, failures can present electrical hazards that can be avoided with inspections.