Electricity naturally flows to the ground through anything that will conduct or carry current. The human body is a very good conductor of electricity!
Here are some indoor safety tips:

  • Keep appliances like hair dryers away from water-filled tubs and sinks.
  • Unplug appliances before you clean them.
  • Use only appliances and equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratories (look for the UL listing on the label), or other recognized testing laboratories.
  • Don't overload outlets with cords.
  • Never unplug or carry anything by its cord. And don't run cords under carpets or furniture; the cords can overheat and cause a fire.
  • Make it a habit to unplug small appliances when they're not in use, and push them to the back of your counters. And make sure you use all three prongs of your electric plugs, and replace worn or frayed cords immediately. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit, and never nail or tack cords to walls or floors.
  • Teach your kids not to poke things into electrical outlets, toasters, or any other appliances, whether they're on or off.
  • Use plug covers or inserts in all your outlets.
  • Keep electrical cords away from kids' reach. Teach them that electricity and water never mix. Keep all radios, hair dryers and other appliances secured or out of bathrooms.



Here are some outdoor safety tips:

  • If you have overhead electrical service, watch out for the drop line from the utility pole to your house. Don't hit it with implements or let other wires touch it. Be particularly careful when you are unloading materials from your car or truck.
  • Overhead power lines might look insulated. They aren't. The dark color may be weather protection or oxidation... Not insulation. And even an insulated line may have flaws in the insulation, and contact could mean serious injury. Keep away!
  • Outdoor outlets should be on a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which are required in newer homes in bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and near sinks. GFCIs can be added as a temporary plug-in adapter, added as a replacement outlet, or even installed as a circuit breaker.
  • Keep television and radio antennas away from power lines.
  • Teach your kids never to fly kites near any power lines. Toys or other objects caught in electrical equipment should be left alone and the kids should find an adult to help. Balls or other objects tossed or falling into an electrical substation should be left there.
  • Teach your kids to recognize "Danger" signs and not to climb in trees if power lines pass through or near them. They should also know that pad-mounted transformers (those metal cabinets on concrete pads) are not safe places to play.