FirstEnergy Shares 10 Important Tips to Stay Safe Around Electricity
Like the magic depicted in your favorite fantasy, electricity grants us the ability to do amazing things. It powers our homes, businesses and neighborhoods, allowing us to stay cool, calm and collected. But unlike the magic of fiction, electricity has the real-world potential to cause life-threatening consequences if not treated with care.
To help educate the public about the hidden dangers of electricity, especially around power lines and equipment, Max Safety – FirstEnergy’s fictional “Stop Look Live” public safety campaign spokesperson – is sharing 10 important tips to keep in mind so you can stay safe.
1.) Don’t touch or go near downed power lines
Always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines and anything they might be touching. Report them by calling 9-1-1.
2.) Never make contact with overhead lines
Making contact with overhead power lines is the most common type of electrocution. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure any objects you are holding do not touch or even come close to an overhead line.
3.) Electricity and water don’t mix
Using or charging electrical devices near water can be deadly—even if they are waterproof. Remember to keep all electrical devices far away from water sources in your home.
4.) Never touch the wires leading to your home
If you need to work around these lines, call us and we can temporarily disconnect your service.
5.) Call 8-1-1 before you dig
Buried utility lines are another potential hazard. If you need to dig for any reason, call 811. Within three business days, someone will come to locate and mark your underground lines so you can avoid them.
6.) Teach kids about electrical safety
Appliances, cords and outlets are not toys, so make sure your kids know how to safely use them. You can also help instruct children about electrical safety with our kid-friendly educational games and resources.
7.) Stay far away from electrical equipment
Electrical equipment like substations, transformers and guy wires are energized or could become energized at any moment. Don’t take risks by playing anywhere near them.
8.) Never fly drones, kites or other objects near power lines
Airborne toys can damage power lines or become tangled and create a potentially dangerous—or even deadly—situation. Never try to retrieve any object near electrical lines or equipment yourself. Just call 1-888-LIGHTSS and we’ll get it back for you.
9.) Don’t overload electrical outlets
Components in an electrical unit can only carry so much electricity, so plugging in too many devices could cause an electrical fire in your home or business.
10.) Call 9-1-1 in the event of contact with electricity
If a person or pet comes in contact with electricity, do not touch them. Call 9-1-1 immediately. For your safety, stay away and keep others away while you wait for help.
Now that you are armed with these 10 important electrical safety tips, help us keep others safe by sharing this information with your friends and loved ones.
For more year-round electrical safety tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Or, visit firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety for more Stop. Look. Live. public safety tips and resources.
Media Contact: Joshua Duke, (330) 607-5018