Electrical safety around the house

• Any outlet close to a water source must be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). That includes outlets in the bathroom, near kitchen countertops, laundry rooms, utility rooms, garages and outdoors.
• Install outlet covers! Even if you don’t have kids, it ensures fingers, tools, or anything else stay out of the wall outlets.
• Do not overload circuits. If you are continuously tripping a breaker, it means you have too many devices on that circuit, or it’s damaged. Call an electrician for help!
• Use cords with a third (ground) prong. Never try to remove the third prong.
• Do not plug or unplug electrical appliances, tools, or equipment with wet hands or in wet conditions.
• Don’t put anything metal into an electrical appliance while it’s plugged in. For example, don’t try to unjam a piece of bread in the toaster with a knife while it’s plugged in!
• Replace damaged or frayed cords.
• Never attempt to disconnect your power meter. It could explode!
• Always have a qualified electrician perform any electrical work, no matter how minor. They’ll ensure it’s done safely and compliant with the building code. Your home insurance company likely will not cover DIY electrical work if something happens.

Electrical safety around the yard

• Know where your utility lines are located. If they’re underground, always Click Before You Dig so the utility company can mark the lines. Hitting a utility line is dangerous, and you’ll be responsible for paying for any damages.
• Don’t plant trees where they will grow into overhead powerlines.
• Keep pools and sprinklers away from overhead powerlines.
• Install antennas away from powerlines at a distance at least equal to the height of the antenna, plus 3 yards.

Be mindful of powerlines.

We’ve already mentioned powerlines a lot in this article, but it cannot be stressed enough! Striking a powerline can cause serious injury or even death. Be mindful of overhead powerlines when you are:

• Using a ladder
• Pruning or cutting trees
• Cleaning a pool
• Installing or removing an antenna
• Working on the roof
• Carrying long tools or pipes
• Setting up and moving scaffolding

And remember, nothing, including rubber gloves, will protect you from the voltages carried by overhead power lines. Read more about powerline safety.

Avoid electrical equipment.

• Electrical equipment, like powerlines, transformer boxes and substations, can be extremely dangerous. Make sure you read these tips and teach them to your children.
• Always look for fallen or sagging powerlines, especially after storms.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from downed powerlines. If you see one, report it to your utility service provider immediately.
• Never play around power substations, poles, towers, fences, or trees near powerlines or electrical equipment.
• Never fly kites near overhead powerlines.
• Never spray water guns or hoses at powerlines.
• Never try to open or poke sticks or other objects into underground or above-ground transformer boxes.
• Stay out of substations and areas marked 'Keep Out' or 'Danger.' If a ball or toy lands in a high-voltage area, call the electric utility provider to retrieve it. Do not enter!
• Avoid going outdoors during a lightning storm.

If you suspect damage to electrical equipment, report it to the local utility provider as soon as possible.