Safety with Electricity

Electricity is an irreplaceable part of our modern world. In fact, it is hard to imagine what it was like living in the days before electricity. However, it is important to remember that, as useful as it is, electricity can be dangerous. Remember these safety tips:

1. Do not touch electrical power lines, EVER. If working near a power line, call the electric company to have it shut off. If the power line is down, stay away.
2. Do not run electrical wiring un- der carpets or across floors, even if the wiring is covered by tape. Walking on wires will eventually result in the insulation being worn away, increasing the chances of your being shocked or of starting a fire.
3. Inspect your electrical cords regularly. If a cord is frayed or damaged, have it replaced.
4. Use grounded (three-pronged) plugs. Do not use a grounded plug in a non-grounded outlet.
5. Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outlets that are near water, such as those in the kitchen and bathroom.
6. Do not pull on electrical cords, and do not carry corded appliances and power tools around by their cords.
7. When in doubt, leave electrical work to a qualified electrician. When working with electricity, you may get only one mistake, and, since that mistake can kill, you will not learn much.