Electrical Safety Tips
- Electrical work is unlike any other repairs and work around the house. Anything hooked up incorrectly or neglected could cause a fire or any type of danger. Please hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work you need.
- Install only the light bulbs rated for that particular light fixture. If you plan to make electrical repairs of any sort, turn off the fuse that serves the circuit you're working on. Double check the circuit with a voltage tester if available to ensure that it is off.
- When a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows, you should always determine exactly what caused this problem and make the correction before inserting another fuse or reactivating a breaker. You can reduce electricity used on this circuit by unplugging a few appliances in that room. If this doesn't help, have a professional electrician inspect the system to determine the cause.
To avoid electric shocks around the house during a lightning storm, unplug all appliances before the storm hits and please avoid using a phone or fax.
When Electical Shocks Occur
- Assume any outside downed lines are electrically charged, stay far away, and call the power company and 9-1-1.
- If someone comes in contact with an indoor electric current, shut off the power at the source: your fuse box or circuit breaker panel. If you cannot disconnect the electrical current, don't make direct contact with the victim.
- Free the person using non-conductive material such as dry wood, plastic or fiberglass. Be sure you are standing on a dry surface and that your hands are dry.
- Once the victim is free, call 9-1-1. Make sure help is on the way, and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed and you know how.