OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Stay away from all downed wires. Do not touch electrical power lines that have fallen....even if there are no sparks - they may still be energized. Always assume that any power line is energized. Always contact your local utility if you see a downed power line. Don't touch anything - or anyone - that is touching one. Get help right away. If you are inside the vehicle, keep calm and wait inside for help. Warn others to stay away from the vehicle. If you must get out, jump clear without touching the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Shuffle, don't run away. If you are a witness, stay clear and call for help.
Never enter a power substation.
Never climb on electric utility structures or reach into electric utility enclosures and never climb trees that are near power lines or electric utility poles.
Never use metal elevators, metal irrigation pipes, well digging equipment, metal ladders or other metal equipment near power lines. Your equipment may reach closer to power lines that you expect. LOOK UP, LOOK OUT and LIVE. Always look up to make sure the equipment you are using isn't going to collide with the lines. Watch out for overhead wires when you're around trees, working on the roof, installing or removing an antenna, moving a boat with a mast, or if you're using a ladder, pool skimmer or any long object.
Make sure that every family member knows the location of the main fuse or circuit breaker for the residence and understands how to operate it in case of an emergency.
Teach your children not to fly kites near power lines, never to put fingers or anything other than an electrical plug in an electrical outlet and to recognize "Danger - High Voltage" signs.
Do not try to remove anything caught in power lines, not even an animal.
Stay away from metal fences that are electrified to protect property or keep in animals. (Other metal fences could become electrified by a downed wire). Be very careful, especially after a storm.
Power tools should have heavy duty cords.
Make sure tools, appliances and extension cords to be used outdoors are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier wiring, special moisture resistant cords, insulating and three-way grounded plugs.
Do not use electrical tools or appliances outdoors if it is raining or wet.
All antennas should be grounded.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can help prevent electrocution. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs monthly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly. Be sure outlets near water sources, outside outlets, garage outlets and outlets in unfinished basements have GFCIs. These devices are especially important in kitchens or bathrooms. Outdoor electrical outlets should also have weatherproof covers.
Water and Electricity Don't Mix. Don't leave plugged in appliances where they might come into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out even it it's turned off. Unplug it first. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person. And NEVER use or touch appliances or tools when you're wet, have wet hands, or you're standing in water or on a wet surface.
Never touch a person who is being shocked. Unplug the faulty appliance or turn off the power, if possible. Call for help immediately.
Never touch any outdoor wires with your body or any object. You should know that: Outdoor wires may not be covered with insulating material to protect you. In other cases, the weather may have damaged the insulation. Birds can sit on wires because they aren't "grounded" (no part of them is touching the ground). Remember, electricity is always seeking a path to the ground. Lineworkers wear special clothing and use special equipment to protect them when working on power lines and other equipment.
Remember these tips when you're playing with kites, model planes or balloons. Stay away from electric wires and anything that touches them. Fly your kite or model plane in an open space, such as a field or park. Use only non-conducting materials to make a kite. Use plastic, paper, wood and string. Be sure your kite doesn't contain wire, metal or foil. Don't fly toys in the rain or in a storm. Wet strings or wires can conduct electricity. Don't release metallic balloons outside. They are dangerous conductors of electricity.
Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if your toy gets caught in power lines. Call your electric utility if you need help.
Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires run through it or near it. Even if wires aren't touching the tree, they could touch after your weight is added to the branch.
Never build a tree house in a tree located near a power line.
Never trim your trees with power lines going through or near them and never cut tree limbs that are touching power lines or that could fall into them.
Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including; rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
Lightning is powerful electricity in the air. Knowing what to do during an electrical storm can help keep you safe. Get inside a building, if possible. Keep away from windows and open doors. Don't use electrical appliances or the telephone. Lightning can follow the wires into your home. Stay out of the shower or bathtub. Lightning can travel through the pipes, too. Avoid trees, poles and other tall objects. Also avoid large metal objects. These things are targets for lightning. Go to low ground and crouch down low if you're caught outdoors. Stay out of the water - never go swimming or boating during a storm. If you're in the water, get out as quickly as possible.
Be sure to call your local utility before you start to dig. Today lots of utilities have underground facilities...everything from telephone, cable TV, water, gas to high voltage electric lines. Digging into a HIGH VOLTAGE electric line is VERY DANGEROUS. So call your local utility before you start to dig.