Electrical Safety - Spring/Summer
- Keep electric radios, TVs, clocks, barbecues, lights and other electrical appliances at least 3 metres from a pool and wet surfaces.
- Appliances should not be used outdoors unless they are equipped with a heavy duty cord and 3 prong plug.
- Swimming pools should be well away from hydro wires - you run the risk of hitting the wires with long-handled cleaning equipment.
- All outdoor electrical outlets should be weatherproof and equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) - this is especially important in damp locations where more protection is necessary than a fuse or circuit breaker.
- Make sure that trees where children play don't have wires passing through them. Don't climb in or build anything in a tree with wires running through it.
- Check with your electric utility before you dig - underground cable is usually 0.5 to 1 metre below ground level. Make sure you know the location of buried electrical lines.
- If installing an antenna, make sure there is plenty of space between it and overhead power lines - at least twice the length of the antenna so if it falls it will clear the overhead power lines.
- Fly kites and model airplanes in an open field - not near power lines.
- If you're outside during an electrical storm seek shelter. The best shelter is a house; jump in your vehicle; get in your golf cart; or, seek low ground. Sit or lie down - it may be uncomfortable, but it may save your life.
- If a power line hits your car, stay inside unless the car catches fire. Then jump clear without touching metal and ground at the same time. Shuffle away keeping both feet on the ground.
- If someone is touching a fallen power line, stay away. Don't rescue the victim - efforts to pull a shock victim away could make you a victim. Call for emergency help.
- Watch overhead when boating. Masts, fishing poles, or tall radio antennae could contact overhead wires.
- If an electrical fire starts at a wall outlet, pull the plug by the cord or turn off the main switch. Call the fire department. If the fire is small use your home C02 fire extinguisher. Never put water on an electrical fire.
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Electrical Safety - Fall/Winter
- Stock up now on emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, portable radio, wind-up or battery-powered clock, non-perishable foods (foods that can be eaten without cooking and stored without refrigeration) and water.
- Do not use candles for lighting during an outage since they create a fire hazard; use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead.
- Do not use outdoor cooking equipment indoors, such as charcoal and gas grills.
- Turn off and unplug all appliances and other electrical equipment, except for a single light bulb, which will be your signal that power is restored. This helps ensure against circuit overload and damage to appliances and equipment.
- If you use a generator, operate it outdoors only, in a well-ventilated area. Do not connect it to your household circuits; instead, plug individual appliances or equipment directly into the generator using a heavy-duty extension cord. If your generator is permanently hooked up to your home's electrical system, disconnect the main breaker before using the generator.
- If you lose heat in your home, seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the door; cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night; use only devices that are designed for heating indoors as an emergency heat source maintaining adequate ventilation and follow all safety precautions; and avoid opening doors unnecessarily.
- Most natural gas fireplaces will operate the burner without a power source; refer to your appliance manufacturer instructions.
- If pipes are in danger of freezing, turn off the main water valve and drain the line by running taps; put plumbing antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and bathtub drains.
- When power and heating systems have been restored, check your home thoroughly before restoring operation to electrical appliances and equipment.
Decorating for the holidays adds beauty to your home and yard but keep safety in mind when installing your lighting displays:
- Check light strings for cracked sockets and loose connections.
- Purchase new or replace damaged sets that carry the Canadian Standards Association seal of approval.
- Outdoor lights burn hotter than indoor lights and should only be used outside.
- Use extension cords that are designed for exposure to the weather.
- Discard cords that are frayed or damaged in any way.
- For ground-level displays, drape extension cords over wooden stakes to keep them out of the snow and water.
- Plug lights into receptacles that are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Use plastic clips or insulated staples to secure the light strings.
- When hanging outdoor lighting, position the bulbs to face the ground to prevent water or moisture from entering the sockets.
- Always turn off your outdoor lighting displays before leaving the house or going to bed.
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