10 Tips To Help You Play It Safe

In our industry, “playing it safe” isn’t such a bad thing. In fact, it’s a great thing, pivotal to the overall well-being of our employees, member-owners and communities. That’s why Safety is one of our Core Values and taken into consideration every time we make a decision.

To help kick off National Electrical Safety Month, we’ve curated a list of 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAY IT SAFE. Some of these you may know, but keeping safety knowledge top of mind can help you make smart decisions in the heat of everyday life. Commit these tips to memory and you’ll be on your way to playing it safe this month and every month after—just like the largest not-for-profit electric cooperative in North Carolina.

H2NO

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Never handle electrical equipment or components while you are wet or standing in or near water.

MAKE IT MATCH

Make sure bulb wattage and fixture wattage match before screwing in a replacement. Bulbs with higher wattage can overheat the fixture, resulting in a fire hazard.

PULL THE BASE

When removing a plug from an outlet, pull it from the base rather than the cord. The latter could result in damage to the cord or the appliance it’s connected to.

USE IT OR LOSE IT

Not using an appliance? Turn it off and unplug it. This will result in a safer environment and savings on your next energy bill.

INSPECT AND PROTECT

Regularly inspect your power cords and extension cords. Why? Because damaged, frayed cords may have exposed wires that can become a fire or shock hazard.

MIND THE DISTANCE

When working outdoors with a ladder, stay at least 10 feet away from power lines at all times. For extra safety, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder.

KEEP METAL AWAY

Metal contains free and moving electrons, which is why it is a strong conductor of electricity. For that reason, keep metal objects away from outlets and appliances.

LESS IS MORE

Avoid plugging too many cords into a single outlet. Excessive current could result in a tripped or blown fuse, which could become a fire hazard.

EXTINGUISH PROPERLY

Water isn’t always the best way to extinguish a fire. In the event of a chemical fire, for example, you should use a chemical fire extinguisher.

ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS

While electricity provides countless benefits, it can also be dangerous. Always be cautious and call your utility company (that’s us) with questions, concerns or to report a fallen line.

Safety is just one of four Core Values that that make us who we are as a cooperative. To learn about the others, visit EnergyUnited.com.