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When You're Home

Refrigerators, ovens, hairdryers, computers, toasters, radios and televisions fill our homes. No matter what appliance you are using, the following safety guidelines should always be practiced:

INSIDE THE HOUSE

• Replace electrical cords if there are worn spots or frayed wires. Homemade repairs such as electrical tape are a common cause of electrical fires.
• Do not plug too many appliances into extension cords, which can cause overheating or a fire.
• Use a surge protector if you need to plug in multiple large appliances to a socket. Do not overload a socket with too many appliances.
• Never remove the third prong from a plug to make it fit a two-prong outlet. Doing so could lead to electrical shock.
• Replace any missing or broken outlet plate covers, and install safety covers over unused outlets that are in reach of children.
• Never reach into a toaster with a knife, fork, or anything else while it is plugged in. If a bagel or piece of toast gets stuck in a toaster, always unplug the toaster before trying to get the piece out.
• Keep electrical appliances away from sinks and bathtubs. (AND KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM BATHTUBS YOU MIGHT FILL DURING POWER OUTAGES.)
• Check your electrical outlets frequently. Look for loose-fitting plugs, overheating and corrosion, which could lead to an electrical fire. If an outlet is hot to the touch, immediately shut off the circuit that feeds the outlet, and contact an electrician to inspect it.
• Keep flammable materials away from lamps and electric heaters.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

• Never go near a downed power line or other fallen electrical equipment.
• Always be aware of where your electric lines are located when using or carrying a ladder, or working anywhere near the line. Be especially careful with metal ladders. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires.
• If a ladder starts to fall into an overhead wire, let it fall. Contact the power company immediately; do not try to remove it from the wire yourself.
• Do not trim tree branches around power lines. A branch or saw that touches a power line could cause a bad or possibly fatal accident. Contact CVPS if you feel tree trimming is required.
• Never operate electrical power tools or lawn mowers with wet hands or near wet areas. Always be sure to use extra heavy-duty grounded extension cords that are not frayed or worn. Be sure the outlet that the cord is connected to is equipped with a ground fault interrupter. Wear rubber-soled shoes when working with electrical appliances outdoors.
• Keep outdoor outlets covered and dry between uses.
• Use caution when painting or working around the electrical entrance cable to your house or business. Contact with the cable could kill you.
• Do not climb trees near power lines.
• Keep kites, balloons and fishing lines away from power lines. Only fly a kite in a wide-open space. Don't use anything made of metal in a kite. If your kite gets stuck in a power line, ask someone to call the power company.
• Keep boat masts away from power lines.
• Do not use electrical appliances near pools; do not use extension cords in the vicinty of pools.