• Never use an electrical appliance near water, when your hands are wet, or when you are working around wet areas. Never place electrical outlets near a sink, bathtub, or shower.
• Before cleaning or repairing any appliance, be sure it is disconnected or the circuit is turned off.
• Never use an appliance that is sparking, making unusual noises, or malfunctioning.
• Never bypass or destroy any safety switch or control that is part of an appliance.
• Keep the filters clean on room air conditioners and clothes dryers.
• Have pressure/temperature relief valves installed on electric water heaters.

Power Tools

• Inspect power tools often and make sure the electrical cords are not damaged.
• Store power tools in a dry area. Dampness can damage tools and create a shock hazard when they are used. Never use power tools around wet areas or when standing on a wet surface.

Electrical Cords

• Inspect appliance cords periodically and replace frayed or damaged ones. If you use an extension cord, choose a heavy?duty cord and make sure it is in good condition.
• Always connect appliances to an outlet and not to a light fixture.
• Disconnect appliances by grasping the plug, never by pulling on the cord.
• Never run appliance or extension cords under a carpet or rug. Friction caused by walking on the rug can erode insulation on the cords, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire.

Outlets and sockets

• Never put anything into an electrical outlet except the plug to an appliance. To protect small children, "dummy" plugs can be installed in unused outlets.
• Never leave light bulb sockets empty. If a bulb burns out, leave it in the socket until it can be replaced.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

• When a fuse blows, replace it with a new one of the proper amperage. Never bypass the function of a fuse with a penny or metallic foil. A penny will not blow out when trouble occurs.
• Before replacing a fuse, turn off the power at the main disconnect switch.
• Stand on a dry board, heavy cardboard, dry rug, or rubber mat. Replace the blown fuse with one of the proper size, then turn on the power at the main switch.
• Cartridge/type fuses are used to protect the entire electrical system or large appliances such as ranges or clothes dryers. A qualified person should install and replace cartridge/type fuses.
• Circuit breakers automatically "trip off" when circuit problems occur. When this happens, find the trouble and eliminate it. Then reset the breaker by pushing the handle to the extreme "off" position and then to the "on" position.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are used in areas where electricity is used near water, such as bathrooms, garages, basements, kitchens, and outdoors. The GFCI constantly monitors the flow of electricity going into and out of an appliance, and shuts off the flow if there is a danger of electric shock.

Electrical Fires

• Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water is a good conductor of electricity. Instead, use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires. If a fire extinguisher is not available, materials such as dry sand, dry dirt, or baking powder can be used to smother the fire.
• If possible, shut off the main disconnect switch before extinguishing the fire. That will cut power to the problem area before anyone can get hurt.

Click here to view Allegheny Power's Electrical Safety Outdoors and Indoors brochure.