May 13, 2020

​Springtime is a great time for yard work, gardening and other outdoor activities. No matter what’s on your agenda as you head outdoors, electrical safety should be an important part of your plans.

Here are 10  tips to help you play it safe around electricity when you’re outside this spring:

• Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and weathered or damaged housings before every use. Don’t use damaged equipment until it has been repaired. Do not use electric-powered mowers on wet grass or around water.
• Always use an insulated extension cord designed for outdoor use with the correct power rating for that equipment.
• Digging to plant a tree, build a fence, or for any other reason? Call before you dig*.
• Keep materials, tools and all parts of your body at least 15 feet away from any overhead power lines. Be sure you’re aware of any nearby lines before  climbing a ladder or using any long-handled tool.
• Before you trim tree limbs and shrubs, watch out for power lines that might be hidden by foliage. Contact your utility if there are concerns about tree limbs growing into or around overhead power lines on your property.
• Keep vegetation and permanent structures away from the large, green ground-level boxes that house components of an underground electrical system. Utility workers may need to access the underground lines and equipment during unplanned outages and routine maintenance.
• Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines or radio or TV antennas. If your kite does get tangled with overhead lines, don’t try to get it down yourself. Call the utility for assistance. Never use any metallic material in your kite.

Remember, treat all electric lines and power tools with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled.

You’ll find many more important outdoor electrical safety tips on our FirstEne​rgy web pages.​

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