Electical Safety Tips
Call Before You Dig!
Electric power lines are often buried underground. Please call Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service (IUPPS) at (800)382-5544 or 811 at least two working days before the start of the actual excavation. It is the member's responsibility to notify IUPPS of any digging, whether it is a major excavation project or a simple project such as installing a fence or mailbox. If IUPPS is not notified and damage is done to the underground lines, it will be the member's responsibility to pay for the cost of the repairs. A simple call to IUPPS could save you costly damages and possibly even your life. For more information visit the IUPPSwebsite.
Look Up!
When transporting large equipment or using ladders around power lines always keep at least 10 feet away from power lines. Contact with power lines can cause serious injury or even death.
Electrical Emergencies!
Contact with electrical wires can be very serious. At all times consider a downed power line energized and stay away from it. If a power line has fallen on your vehicle do not leave the vehicle until assurance has been made that the power line has been de-energized. Do not touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed power line.
Extension Cords!
Be on the lookout for overloaded, worn or damaged cords. Do not cover cords with carpets, furniture, or appliances. Keep cords out of the reach of children.
Space Heater!
Never place a space heater near furniture or drapes. And only use space heaters equipped with an automatic shutoff in case they tip over.
Overloaded Circuits!
Many electrical fires can be traced to overheated circuits. Too many cords used improperly overload a circuit, causing it to overheat. Avoid using multi-armed plugs and only use extension cords as temporary solutions.
Outside Hazards!
Children should use caution when playing outside, especially after a storm. Power lines can be down and should always be considered energized. Kites should be flown in wide open areas, far away from overhead power lines. If the wind blows a kite into a power line the electricity can travel down the string of the kite and cause injury or death. Never climb a tree that has a power line going through it. Before climbing always check to be sure the tree is clear of power lines.
Farm Hazards!
Many accidents occur while farming or irrigating. Be sure that power lines are visible and keep large farm equipment including irrigations systems at least 10 feet away from the lines. If farming equipment comes in contact with a power line remember to stay on the equipment and wait for line crews to de-energize the lines.
For more information on electrical safety visit www.safeelectricity.org.
