It’s summertime and that means we’ll be spending a lot of time outside, swimming, playing, having BBQs and hanging out with friends. So, does your family know how to stay safe from outdoor electrical hazards? Check out these tips so that you and your family can have a happy and safe summer!
1. Educate Children About Danger Signs
Make sure your children can recognize and understand warning signs they might see outdoors. It’s also important to let them know about areas or electrical hazards they should keep away from, such as transformers or HVAC units. Educating kids about the electrical dangers they should avoid while playing, is the best way to keep them safe.
2. Keep Electrical Appliances Away From Water
What could make a party by the pool more fun than having some great music playing? The most important thing to remember is to keep all electronic devices far enough away from water sources. One way to stay safe at the pool is to use battery-operated devices whenever possible. If you have to use a plug-in device make sure to keep them at least 5 feet away from the water. Always make sure kids are supervised and understand they shouldn’t bring electronics near the water either.
3. Don’t Leave Electrical Appliances Unattended
Electronics should always be supervised when you’re hanging out outside. This is especially true when kids are around. Go over electrical safety with your kids so they understand not to leave any devices unattended. When you’re done around the pool for the day or when the cookout has come to an end, always make sure to turn off and put away any electrical appliances you were using outside.
4. Be Able to Recognize Electrical Shock
Electrical shock can happen when someone comes into contact with an electrical current that touches or flows through the body. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of electrical shock, such as muscle spasms, tingling, burns, and vision problems. It’s also a good idea to have some basic first aid knowledge and know when you should seek medical care.
5. Have Regular Electrical Safety Inspections
Making sure your outdoor electrical outlets and circuit breakers are up to code is an important part of making sure your home is free of electrical hazards and safe for your family. One way to maintain this is by having regular electrical safety inspections performed by a licensed electrician, such as Electrical Pros.
6. Keep away From Unsafe Areas
A lot of kids love to climb over fences and up trees. It’s important to make sure they stay away from areas that could be potentially dangerous. Trees or fencing near transmission towers, power lines, or substations should be avoided. Substations can be especially dangerous due to high voltage electricity. Always make sure you know the areas your children are playing in and any hazards that they might encounter.
7. Don’t Throw Objects at Electrical Poles/Wires
Kids should be taught to never throw objects, such as footballs or baseballs at or near electrical poles or wires. Another fun summer activity is flying kites, but you should always make sure that you’re not flying them near electrical lines. Make sure to stay safe while you’re playing outside!
8. Handle Electrical Appliances Properly
You should always handle your electronic devices with care. This includes unplugging them properly and never using the cord to yank a plug out of a socket. You also should never carry a device by its cord. Finally make sure your devices are turned off and unplugged before carrying them to different locations.
9. Use Power Tools Safely
Summertime means outdoor projects, which can mean power tools are brought out! Be sure to use these tools according to their directions and always wear the proper safety equipment. Always use a GFCI outlet to plug in your tools and keep them away from wet areas. Make sure to put away tools in a safe, dry place once you’re done using them.
10. Use Electricity Safety Devices When Possible
There are some electrical safety devices that you can use to help keep your family safe from electrical hazards. These include GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlets, Circuit Breakers, AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters), and three pronged plugs. These can help protect against over current which can cause fire and shock hazards.
We want you to have the best summer possible so if you see an electrical hazard around your home or need some help with a project, give us a call! Electrical Pros is here to help keep your family safe and take care of your home’s electrical needs.
