 |
 |
|
Electric Safety Mystery
|
“Birds sit on power lines all day and nothing happens. What's the deal?”
Here’s the deal:
A bird on a line does not complete a path to ground. Electricity passes harmlessly through the line without causing injury. If the bird were to touch ground or some part of the system that is grounded, the bird would be electrocuted. |
|
|
|
It’s around home where most of us put electricity to work. But home is also the place where many accidents involving improper use of electricity can occur.
Electric safety is mainly an exercise in common sense. Here are some of the most common electricity “no-no’s” around home.
Water and electricity don’t mix!
Never permit a radio, hair dryer or any other electric device to be used around water, especially in the bathroom or kitchen areas. Check to see if bathroom outlets have Ground Fault Interrupter, or GFI, devices installed. These devices will automatically trip the electricity off if a fault is detected. They are an inexpensive and smart investment. National Electric Code requires their installation in new homes. Purchase hair dryers that have fault protection built into their cords.
Stay out of harm’s way
- Breaker or fuse boxes control electric circuits in your home. They are protective devices. If a circuit “trips,” and the reason is not apparent, have an electrician find out what is going on. Never try to “cheat” a fuse box with a penny — you are only inviting the possibility of fire.
- Cut, punctured or scuffed up electric cords are dangerous! Replace them immediately. Never run a cord under a rug, or run through a wet area. Three-pronged plugs are essential. The third prong is there to ground and prevent shocks.
- If an appliance sputters, sparks or buzzes, turn it off and get it fixed. Make sure any electric appliance you purchase has the Underwriters Laboratory tag or label (UL Approved).
- Never overload a circuit. “Octopus” plugs invite overloading and the possibility of fire.
- If you have a portable electric space heater, make sure it comes with a protective shut-off if tipped. Also, never use space heaters near curtains or flammable material.
- It still happens. People stick forks in toasters to retrieve a stuck piece of bread while the toaster is working. Always unplug or turn off any appliance before doing repairs.
And be prepared!
Storms and other events can cause power outages. Be prepared with an “outage kit.” Your kit should include a battery-powered light and radio, wind-up or battery-powered clock, PGE phone numbers to call and report outages or downed wires.
Get PGE’s brochure
on electrical outages and home safety so you can keep this information handy. Remember, too, if the outage is extended, to check on elderly neighbors and those with special needs.
|
|
