Now that fall is finally here, people from across the country are no doubt going to be turning their attention toward getting their residence ready for winter. Whether this takes the form of clearing the yard or gutters of leaves or trimming the branches on trees, many people are going to be using electric equipment or will be brought into the vicinity of electrical lines. This necessarily poses a danger of electric shock. To help combat the threat, the Pacific Power company is offering consumers a variety of safety tips.
Many people don’t take the proper preparations when they’re going to be in the area of power lines, and they get themselves hurt because of this lack of awareness. To make sure you’re protected, treat power lines of all types with the utmost caution. Jolts from a low-voltage line can be just as hazardous under the right circumstances as higher voltage units.
If gutter cleaning, satellite dish installation, or other projects that bring you onto the roof are on your agenda, then make sure that you’re not going to come into contact with overhead electrical wires. You’ll want to give yourself a ten foot cushion so that in the event of an accident you won’t be put in danger. Plus, you should only trim tree branches if there’s not a power line running through or near the greenery. You should call your local power company if you need the branches cut but a power line has impeded your ability to do so safely.
Even if you’re not going to be climbing to great heights to get your fall preparation work done, there’s still a danger that exists. Those tools that haven’t been used since last spring could have worn down since they were last pulled out. Make sure that every piece of electrical equipment you’re going to be using is in working order, including the plug. There should be no frays on the power cord, and the outlet you plug said cord into should have a circuit breaker that can activate when water contacts the equipment. To further avoid electrocution danger, don’t ever use these tools around water.
There are a few other electrical dangers that people might not think about. For instance, safety-conscious consumers will opt to user a fiberglass or wood ladder, as metal ones can transfer electricity. And for those persons who are going to be digging, verify with your local power company that you aren’t going to be digging in the area of a power line buried beneath the earth.