Electricity

Electricity helps in many aspects of our daily life. Electric energy in the form of electric currents can be harnessed to provide heat or air conditioning, to move things, to entertain and to communicate.

To avoid being hurt around electricity, remember these tips and use common sense:

Do's

• Pull the plug itself, not the cord attached to it.
• Disconnect any appliance that sparks and have it repaired immediately.
• Always disconnect appliances before cleaning them.
• Keep combustible materials away from lamps or heating devices.
• Turn off appliances when you leave home.
• Follow manufacturers' instructions when operating electrical devices. All electrical devices should carry an Underwriters Laboratory approval tag.
• Make sure outdoor electrical outlets are covered with weatherproof covers.
• Use extension cords only for temporary applications.
• Keep electrical cords away from hot appliances.
• Keep appliances clean and free of dust, lint and grease.
• Keep work areas clean and dry. Sparks can ignite wood scraps, sawdust and solvents.
• Use moisture resistant cords when outside. Certain outlets for outdoor appliances or tools should have a ground fault interrupter (G.F.1). This type of circuit breaker, installed in an outlet, protects the user from shock.
• Use heavy duty cords when using power tools.
• When utilizing adapters, make sure to screw in the wire for grounding.
• Wear rubber soled shoes when operating power tools.
• Make sure your power tools are grounded or certified double insulated.

Don'ts

• Never turn on an appliance when standing or sitting in water. Shocks can be fatal.
• Never overload a circuit by plugging in too many appliances.
• Plug three-way grounded plugs into appropriate outlets. Never tamper with the third prong.
• Never install cords under rugs where they will become worn by foot traffic.

Outdoor - electric safety

Be aware of the location of power lines - both overhead and underground - when working or playing outside your home.

Check for overhead lines before climbing ladders or trees. Keep ladders, kites and poles well away from power lines.

Never climb transmission towers, power poles or substation fences.

Phone your utility if a pet is trapped too close to electrical lines. Never attempt to retrieve it yourself.

Never use electrical power tools outdoors with water underfoot or rain overhead. Any electrical device should be at least ten feet away from a pool or wet surface.

Use extension cords, fixtures and outdoor lights specifically designed for outdoor use.

When putting up a TV antenna, CB base station antenna, drain pipe or flag poles, be sure they are twice the length of the object away from any power lines.

Try not to use an aluminum ladder outside. If you must, keep yourself, your tools and your ladder well away from power lines.

Make sure backup electrical generators are installed properly.

Electrical fires

If there is an electrical fire that starts at a wall outlet, shut off electricity to that outlet by turning the circuit breaker off or unscrewing the fuse. If necessary, turn off the main switch.

You can use a B-C rated home fire extinguisher or baking soda to put out a small fire. Never use water on an electrical fire.

If the fire is out of control, evacuate the building. From a neighbor's house, call 911 for the fire department. Be sure to indicate that you have an electric fire.

Downed power lines and car accidents involving power poles

If you come across a downed line, keep as far away from it as you can. Never touch a downed line or anything near it. Assume any downed line is an energized power line. If a power line falls on your car while you are driving, slowly continue on to move completely clear of it (but do not drive over it). If your car is immobilized, stay in it until help arrives. If the downed line causes a car fire, escape the vehicle by jumping clear of the car with both feet together. Be sure not to touch metal and the ground at the same time. Be sure to keep your arms crossed over your chest while you jump. Once you land on the ground with both feet together, quickly shuffle away from the car. Do not walk or separate your feet as you move away from the vehicle.

If a car hits a power pole, knocking down power lines, call Puget Sound Energy at 1- 888-225-5773 and 911 immediately. Never try to open a car door if there are live wires and stay well clear of the vehicle.

Electric shock

If someone is given an electrical shock from an appliance, turn off the appliance at the appropriate outlet or turn off the main switch. Do not touch the person or the equipment involved. Do not attempt to free the victim with a broom or other object as there may be contaminants (dirt, paint, water) on the item which could conduct electricity, resulting in you becoming a victim as well.

If someone comes in contact with a power line, stay clear and call Puget Sound Energy and 911 for medical treatment immediately. Do not touch the victim or try to move the wire. Once the victim is no longer in contact with electrical current, determine what First Aid steps to take. If the victim is not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cover the victim with a blanket and keep them warm. If the victim's face is pale, raise the feet; if the face is red, keep the head raised.

Burns

Set your water heater temperature to 120º F (or the low setting). This setting is hot enough to discourage any bacteria yet will help avoid scalding members of your household. Most people shower with 103º F water, so a maximum setting of 120º will provide the bacteria killing required at your home.