Electrical Safety Around the Home

Electrical Safety In the Home

Cords, Plugs and Appliances
	Overloaded plugs can cause electrical fires. Unplug small appliances when not in use.
	Unplug appliances before cleaning. Never dip appliances into water.
	Frayed cords can cause electric shock or electrocution. Avoid running extension cords under throw rugs or carpeting.
	Buy NRTL (National Recognized Testing Laboratory) accredited appliances. These items meet NRTL safety standards and are OSHA accepted.
Around Water
	Never use an electrical appliance in a damp or wet area.
	Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) at outlets near water. They prevent electrocution by shutting off the current to a circuit when there is a short.
Electrical Outlets
	Never allow children to play with outlets.
	Place “child proof” devices on all outlets.

Electrical Safety Outside the Home

On the Ground
	Avoid electric shock or electrocution — stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power line (laying on the ground or on top of an object).
	Those humming green and gray boxes are electric service transformers. Never allow children to play on or near them or other high-voltage equipment.
	Avoid operating electrical tools during wet weather.
In the Air
	Do not prune trees growing over or into overhead power lines. Call Austin Energy at (512) 494-9400 and request tree pruning services.
	Be cautious when mounting equipment (TV antennas, rain gutters, satellite dishes) on your home. Make sure it cannot fall into or make contact with nearby overhead power lines.

For more information about electrical safety, call (512) 482-5335. Or, request a safety presentation for your community group.