May is National Electrical Safety Month, so we remind you to stay safe around electricity.
“Safety is always our top priority. We encourage people to enjoy all of the comforts and convenience of electricity while paying attention to and avoiding potential hazards,” said Jack Bridges, PSE&G vice president-electric operations. “This is the perfect time of year to perform routine checks in homes and businesses to prevent electrical shocks, injuries and fires. Also, taking the time to brush up on emergency safety tips can save lives.”
Created by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, this year’s safety month theme is electrical safety during natural disasters, focusing on the importance of preparing for, weathering and rebuilding after disasters.
ESFI released this safety video in conjunction with the month. The video offers safety tips including: charge all phones and other communication devices before a storm hits, and then unplug and move electronics as high as possible to avoid damage from flooding. Also, turn off the main power breaker that feeds the home to prevent electrical surges to wiring and equipment.
Remember:
Stay away from downed wires. Any downed wires (PSE&G’s, cable, telephone, etc.) always should be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything with which it might be in contact. If a wire falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911, and do not get out until PSE&G de-energizes the line. If you MUST get out of the vehicle because it is on fire: jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, keep feet as close together as possible and hop or shuffle away.