Generator Safety
Use Backup Power Safely When used properly, portable and standby generators are a great option to provide backup power during brownouts or blackouts. Learn how to use generators safely with the following tips: Generators Location Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home Never operate a generator in an enclosed space Make sure the generator […]
Power Lines Safety Tips
You do not have to touch a power line to be in danger. High-voltage electricity can jump to anyone who gets too close. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and their connections. Safety Tips Look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure that it will not come within 10 […]
Winter Downed Power Lines
As temperatures drop and winter storms blow through, make sure you are aware of your surroundings whenever venturing outside. Heavy winds, snowfall, and ice are more than capable of bringing down utility poles and power lines. If you encounter a downed line, be sure to stay at least 35 feet back, which is about 3 […]
Prepare Your Business and Recover From a Natural Disaster
While we can’t prevent natural disasters, we can ensure our businesses are electrically safe before and after the storm. Practicing electrical safety and being prepared can lead to a smooth recovery and an opportunity to renovate the electrical efficiency of your business. In the Event of a Natural Disaster Create emergency shutdown and start-up procedures […]
Downed Power Line Safety – Always Assume Downed Lines are Live
Downed power lines can be deadly. ALWAYS assume a downed power line is live and avoid going near it or anything in contact with it. Use Precaution Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away. Even more in wet conditions. Never drive over downed power lines or through water that is in contact […]
Hurricane Electrical Safety – Eyeing the Storm
The Atlantic hurricane season is June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. On average there are 6 hurricanes, three of which are categorized as “major,” each year. History provides important examples of the potentially dangerous impact hurricanes can have and the need to be prepared. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. […]
Winter Storm Electrical Safety
With the severe weather characteristic of winter comes the threat of electrical hazards caused by downed power lines, power outages, and coastal flooding. ESFI is cautioning the public that electrical dangers associated with downed power lines, portable generators, and submerged electrical equipment can still cause injuries and deaths once a snow or ice storm has […]
Pool and Spa Safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that since 1990, there have been 60 electrocutions and nearly 50 serious electrical shocks involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools. Pool and Spa Safety Tips All outdoor receptacles should be covered to keep them dry. This is especially important around pools, spas and other summer water activities. […]
Air Conditioner and Fan Safety
Hot weather brings increased use of air conditioners. Contact with electric current from air conditioners accounts for a significant number of electrocutions and electrical injuries each year. ESFI recommends that you always contact a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home, including the installation and services of air conditioning and other […]
Heating Pads and Electric Blankets Safety
Heating pads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old. There are two types of personal heating appliances, heating pads that are placed directly on the mattress and electric blankets. They are not meant to be used interchangeably or […]
