Electricity makes our lives easier in many ways, yet electricity can be a powerful and potentially deadly force. That's why you should take special care when using electricity or working around it. Below are some important guidelines on electrical safety.

Indoor Electric Safety

Electricity travels in a path called a circuit. Your house is part of a circuit that begins at a power plant. When you flick a switch to turn on a light or start an appliance, you complete the circuit.

Electricity will not leave the circuit unless it can find an easier path to the ground. If you touch an energized wire or faulty appliance while you are grounded, the electricity will pass through you to the ground, causing a shock that can be fatal. Following a few simple safety rules can prevent injury:

• Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
• Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
• Make sure the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures.

Safety Outdoors

• When working with a metal ladder, watch where the ladder's top end goes. Position and move the ladder carefully, making sure that it is set securely away from power lines.
• Don't climb any tree or let children climb any tree that has power lines in or near it.
• Contact Edmond Electric at 405-216-7660 if there is a potential for power lines and trees getting tangled.
• For outdoor lighting and wiring, use only weather-proofed fixtures. Outside wiring and outlets should have special protection against moisture.
• Call OKIE811 to locate all underground utility lines before you begin a project.

Do's and Don'ts of Kite Flying/Mylar Ballons

• Never fly your kite near power lines.
• If your kite gets caught in a power line, don't touch the line or the kite. Call Edmond Electric and make sure nobody gets near the area until help arrives.
• Do not fly in a thunderstorm. The kite could act as a lightening conductor (remember Ben Franklin?). Being struck by lightning could cause serious injury or death.
• Never use metallic flying line.
• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to a weight.
• When disposing of Mylar balloons, make sure to puncture them to ensure lingering helium does not cause them to float and blow around if the garbage container is overturned.
• If a balloon or another toy becomes entangled in an overhead power line, don’t attempt to retrieve it. Call Edmond Electric for assistance.

Appliances

• Keep all electrical products and cords away from water. Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters on outlets near water. Never reach into water to get an appliance that has fallen in without first unplugging the appliance.
• To avoid electric shock or damage to sensitive electronic equipment during a storm, unplug appliances before the storm hits, or install surge protection equipment.
• Test smoke detectors periodically.

Children

• Put safety covers on all wall outlets.
• Keep electrical cords out of reach and sight to avoid children or pets.
• Never leave an unconnected appliance cord plugged in and switched on (for example, a mobile phone charger). Young children may be tempted to put the end of the cord in their mouths.
• Appliances should be switched off when not in use.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

• Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
• Avoid using several high-amperage appliances, such as microwaves, toasters, irons or other heat-producing appliances, on the same circuit.

Power Tools

• Use power tools outdoors only in dry weather. Stand on dry surfaces and use only dry materials.
• Tools should be properly grounded wherever you use them. Consider purchasing a ground fault circuit interrupter.
• Be sure all cords and plugs are in good condition.