Household Safety

Indoor Electrical Safety Tips

Follow these simple tips to use electricity safely at home:

Don’t use extension cords for long-term purposes. They’re not as durable as the cords on your electric appliances and they can overheat and cause fires if they’re plugged in and forgotten.
Keep small kitchen appliances far from the sink and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Regularly clean electronic air purifiers and humidifiers to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from growing in them and spreading through your home.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in your home and make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
Change the batteries in your smoke detector regularly. To help you remember, just do it at the same time that you move your clocks forward or back to start or stop daylight savings time.
Use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your bathroom to protect against the risk of electrocution.
A GFCI interrupts the flow of power when it senses that there is a problem with it.
Be sure to keep space heaters clear of anything flammable, such as curtains or bed linens. Purchase heaters that have automatic shut-off devices when they are knocked over. Also, remember to always unplug heaters when not in use.

When power lines are nearby, use wooden or fiberglass ladders – not metal.
Never place a ladder where it can fall into a power line.
Carry ladders and long-handled tools low enough to avoid coming into contact with overhead lines.
Don’t install an antenna where it might fall and hit a power pole.
Do not attach anything to a power pole.

Keep all electrical appliances a safe distance away from water and don’t use power tools when standing in wet areas.
Never use an electric mower when the grass is wet.
Power tools should be properly grounded, and use only heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Make sure outdoor electrical outlets are grounded and have weatherproof covers.

Call before you dig. Dial 811 and all utilities will mark their underground lines.
If you have a tree with power lines running through it, don’t climb it or build anything in it. If the tree needs trimming call (903) 763-2203.

Instruct your children to stay away from utility substation fences and pad-mounted transformers.
If you see a substation fence or transformer cabinet that has been vandalized, call us immediately at (903) 763-2203.
Teach your child to look for danger signs displayed on high voltage equipment.

Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines. It is important to never use wire or metal kites—only dry string.
Don’t release metallic balloons. They can get caught in power lines and cause outages.
Let the utility untangle kites or balloons that do get snagged on overhead lines. Don’t try to do it yourself.