Around the House

Boats - Keep boat masts away from power lines.

Cords - Don't place appliance cords where they will come into contact with the stove or other heated surfaces. Don't hang appliance cords over countertops so they won't be accidentally pulled down.

Ladders - Exercise caution when using ladders, painting, pruning or cleaning near a service drop. (A service drop is where the wiring comes into a house or building at the meter.) Weatherproofing on the overhead wiring is not insulation. This covering can become brittle and cracked, exposing you to electrical contact.

Outlets - Look for outlets that have loose fitting plugs, exposed wires or broken plates. Have them fixed by a qualified electrician. Use safety covers on all outlets accessible to children.

Poles - Don't swing, climb or run into guy wires supporting utility poles. Report damaged guy wires to the power company.

Pools - Don't use electrical appliances near pools; don't route extension cords in the vicinity of pools; don't raise pool maintenance or rescue poles into overhead power lines.

Shoes - Avoid damp or wet areas when using electrical power tools outdoors. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes when working with electrical appliances outdoors. NEVER use electrical equipment when barefooted.

Trees - Don't climb trees near power lines. Keep balloons, kites, fishing lines and aluminum poles away from overhead lines. The lines are not insulated and you could create a path to ground by touching them.