Electrical Safety Tips
By McKayla Kiernan, Communications Specialist
At Choptank Electric Cooperative, we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our co-op crews to you, the members we serve, we recognize that everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety. We all depend on electricity to power our lives, but accidents can happen when electricity is improperly used.
Choptank Electric Cooperative’s concern for safety extends beyond our employees. We care deeply about the safety of our members, and this month, we encourage you to plug into safety. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, but we all must understand the potential dangers associated with it.
Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools and appliances, practice the electrical safety tips listed below:
• Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use, or excessive current-flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled.
• Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle – by having too many devices running on one circuit.
• Label circuit breakers to understand the circuits in your home. Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.
• Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.
We want to help keep you and all members of our community safe. That’s why you’ll see Choptank Electric hosting safety demonstrations at community events, such as fairs and festivals, and in schools throughout the year to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. We discuss emergency scenarios, such as what to do in a car accident involving a utility pole and downed power lines. We caution students on the dangers of pad-mounted transformers and overloading circuits with too many electronic devices, and frequently provide electrical safety content in the Cooperative Living magazine and our social media accounts. We encourage the public to contact us if they see a downed power line or any other type of dangerous electrical situation. We encourage you to talk with your kids about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.
Along with Electrical Safety Month, May is also National Pet Month!
In order to keep our furry friends safe, follow the tips below:
• Keep power cords and wires out of pets’ reach so they don’t chew on it and receive a shock. What may seem like a mild shock to an adult may be enough to kill a small pet.
• Turn off electrical items like lamps, fans, irons or heaters when not in use.
• Never place electrical items near bathtubs or sinks. Curious pets may be tempted to knock items off the counter.
• Check to be sure night lights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Small paws or tongues can easily find partially exposed prongs and are a hazard for curious pets.
Our top priority is providing an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity now and well into the future.
Sources: safeelectricity.org