Electrical Safety Foundation International
  • About Us
  • News
  • Support ESFI
  • EspaƱol
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Linked In
  • Home Safety
    • Electrical Safety
    • Fire Prevention
    • Home Safety Devices
    • Your Home Electrical System
    • Seasonal Safety

    Bring Electrical Safety Home

     

    Protect your home and family from electrical hazards and fires.

     

  • Workplace Safety
    • Industry Codes & Regulations
    • Standards & Best Practices
    • Workplace Injury & Fatality Statistics
    • Electrical Safety Self-Assessment
    • Overhead Power Line Safety

    Make Electrical Safety a Business Priority

     

    Safe work practices are vital to everyone in your business.

     

  • Disaster Safety
    • Home Disaster Safety
    • Commercial & Industrial Disaster Safety
    • Disaster Recovery
    • Electric-Shock Drowning

    Weather the Storm

     

    New and updated storm safety resources to keep homes and businesses safe during severe weather

  • Kids Safety
    • Be Smart About Fire & Electrical Safety
    • ESFI's Approach to Electrical Safety
    • Elementary Educational Resources
    • Four Seasons of Safety

    Elementary Education Resources

     

    Curiosity is a natural part of childhood learning, but it can be extremely dangerous when it comes to electricity.

     

  • Programs and Initiatives
    • National Electrical Safety Month
    • Holiday Safety
    • National Electrical Code
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
    • Surge Protective Devices
    • Fire Prevention
    • Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)
    • Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
    • Zero Tolerance for Counterfeits

    ESFI's Programs and Initiatives

     

    Get the latest information on National Electrical Safety Month, Fire Prevention Week and more!

     

  • Resource Library

Electrical Safety: Think Outside the Home

National Electrical Safety Month 2015

Posted 04.04.2015 in Home Safety
Download Attachment

Electrical Safety: Think Outside the Home

Download

Electrical hazards are not only present indoors, but can also occur outside.  Follow this guide to outdoor safety to help prevent common outdoor hazards.

Power Lines:

  • Always keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from a power line.  Electricity can jump to nearby objects.
  • Before planting trees near a power line, conduct research or speak with a professional to ensure there’s enough space for it to grow.  If you suspect that a tree is too close to power lines, report it to your local utility.
  • Power lines are also underground.   Call 811 before you dig.

Outdoor Outlets:

  • Have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed, which automatically cut power when a plugged item comes in contact with water or begins to “leak” electricity. Portable GFCIs are also available for use with traditional outlets.
  • Install weatherproof electrical boxes or covers on outdoor outlets.
  • Between 1999 and 2012, 79% of the 931 carbon monoxide fatalities were associated with generators.
  • 24% of the CO fatalities known to have involved generators occurred when it was used inside an attached garage or shed.
  • Make sure your home is properly equipped with carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.
  • Position the generator outside the home and away from doors, windows and vents.

Generators:

  • Do not plug generators directly into a home outlet without a transfer switch to prevent backfeed, which could harm utility line workers making repairs.
  • Make sure your generator is properly grounded.

Extension Cords:

  • Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution and should not be used long-term or permanently.
  • Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Outdoor cords will be labeled "For Outdoor Use" and are often orange.
  • Never attempt to extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it with another extension cord.
  • Be sure the amperage rating for the extension cord is higher than the amperage of the electrical product being used.
  • Only use extension cords that have be approved and tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, Intertek or CSA.

Additional Tips:

  • Store fuel in approved containers and away from any potential heat sources, like a furnace or space heater or even direct sunlight.
  • When storing electrical products in your garage, use containers to prevent exposure to water or damage caused by animals.
  • If you have a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, avoid electric shock drowning by having an electrician inspect and upgrade your pool, spa or hot tub in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code® (NEC). 
Home Safety
    Extension Cord Safety, National Electrical Safety Month, National Electrical Safety Month 2015, Overhead Power Line Safety
Download Attachment

Related News & Resources

Electrical Safety Outside the Home - Overhead Power Lines
Electrical Safety Outside the Home - Overhead Power Lines
Read
HVAC Maintenance: Get Your Ducts in a Row
HVAC Maintenance: Get Your Ducts in a Row
Read Download
Watt Bulb Works Best for Your Home?
Watt Bulb Works Best for Your Home?
Read Download

Join the Electrical Industry

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Board of Directors
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Linked In
Our Supporters View All
National Electrical Contractors Association
National Electrical Contractors Association

Southwire Company
Southwire Company

The Harvey Hubbell Foundation
The Harvey Hubbell Foundation

Siemens
Siemens

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
1300 17th Street North, Suite 900, Arlington, Virginia 22209
Tel 703-841-3229 Fax 703-841-3329
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
Powered by Getfused