ELECTRICITY: PREVENTING INJURIES

Electric shock can cause serious injury or death. Some simple precautions can prevent electric shock hazards around the home.

Be sure to do the following:

• Inspect electric cords for fraying. If you see a crack in the insulation, repair or replace it. Cords can be frayed if they get moved a lot, are in the sun, are chewed by an animal, or if you have had them for a long time.
• Do not plug too many things into the same outlet. This can overload electrical circuits.
• Replace all older two-pronged outlets. All outlets in the home should be of the 3-pronged type. It is not safe to use adapters that allow you to plug a 3-pronged appliance into a 2-pronged outlet for an extended period of time.
• Keep all electric appliances away from water, such as a sink or bathtub. Do not handle extension cords or electric appliances, or plug anything into an electrical outlet while you are wet or if the appliance is on a wet surface.
• Inspect electrical outlets used near sources of water such as the bathroom sink or near a hot tub, spa, or swimming pool. All such outlets should be a special type known as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
• Keep electric appliances, outlets, and light bulbs away from flammable liquids or products that produce vapors.
• Make sure that all power tools are grounded or double insulated, This means there is an extra barrier between you and electricity.
• Make sure that children do not play or climb near electric lines on a power pole or where the lines enter a house.
• Insert plastic safety caps in all unused electrical outlets if small children are in the home.
• Do not use the telephone, use any hand-held electrical appliance, or take a bath or shower during a lightning storm. Do not walk out in the open or take cover under a tree during a lightning storm.

Many local power companies have booklets available to help identify potential electrical home hazards. Call your local power company for more information.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File SFY4913F.HTM Release 9.0/2006

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