Safety Awareness All Year Long
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Electricity is shockingly powerful, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Electrical Safety Foundation electric accidents kill or seriously injure thousands of people every year. National Electrical Safety Month, this May, gave energy educators the chance to help people learn the do's and don'ts of electric safety, a message Sierra Pacific Power strongly promotes throughout the year.
According to the proverb, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By following simple precautions you can prevent serious electric injuries and problems. Safety tips:
- Do not force a plug into an outlet.
- Never force a three-prong plug into a two-conductor outlet and do not remove the third prong. You could get shocked.
- Don't use frayed or cracked cords.
- If an extension cord is hot, it may be overloaded. This could lead to a fire.
- Don't plug one extension cord into another.
- Before you buy an extension cord make sure the rating is at least as high as the number of watts needed by the product you plan to plug into the cord.
- Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Don't put extension cords under rugs or carpet.
- Space heaters need to be at least three feet away from combustible material.
- During an electrical storm, don't use appliances or telephones except for emergencies.
- Don't use outdoor appliances, like electrical lawnmowers, in a storm or on wet grass.
- Metal ladders conduct electricity. Watch out for power lines and wires.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GCFI). These small devices can eliminate two thirds of residential electrocutions. An electrician should help you install your GCFI.
Help celebrate National Electric Safety Month by being safe with electricity all year long.
