Wiring
- Is wiring proper? Has wiring been properly installed by a qualified electrician?
- Does your home have at least a 100-amp service?
- If your home is heated electrically, does it have at least a 200-amp service?
- Does every family member know the location of the main fuse or circuit breaker and understand how to operate it?
- When a fuse “blows” do you always replace it with one of the proper size?
- Are all convenience outlets grounded?
- Breaker or fuse boxes control electric circuits in your home. They are protective devices. If a circuit “trips,” and the reason is not apparent, have an electrician find out what is going on. Never try to “cheat” a fuse box with a penny – you are only inviting the possibility of a fire.
- Do you have a GFCI in the bathroom and where water can come in contact with electricity?
Cords
- Do all appliances and electrical cords carry approval of the Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) or other authorized laboratory?
- Keep cords away from heat or water.
- Never use an extension cord as a permanent substitute.
- Are all plugs on electrical applicance cords the three-prong type and grounded?
- Check cords for wear, especially at plug and connections.
- Do you have any cords wrapped around any metal device or pipe?
- Are there any cords in the way where people could trip over them?
- Do you ever disconnect an applicance by pulling on the cord? Always pull the plug.
- Cut, punctured or scuffed up electric cords are dangerous! Replace them immediately. Never run a cord under a rug or through a wet area. Three-pronged plugs are essential. The third prong is there to ground and prevent shocks.
- Never overload a circuit. “Octopus” plugs invite overloading and the possibility of fire.
Appliances
- If an appliance sputters, sparks, or buzzes, turn it off and get it repaired. Make sure all electric appliances you purchase have the Underwriters Laboratory tag or label (UL Approved).
- Does every major electrical appliance have its own circuit?
- If you have a portable electric space heater, make sure it comes with a protective shut-off if tipped. Also, never use space heaters near curtains or flammable material.
- Never stick forks in toasters to retrieve a stuck piece of bread while the toaster is working. Always unplug or tun off any appliance before doing repairs.
- Do you ever handle or use appliances if you are wet or are standing on a wet surface, like in the bathroom or kitchen? Water and electricity don’t mix. Never permit a radio, hair dryer or any other electric device to be used around water, especially in the bath or kitchen areas.
Power Lines
- Touching a live power line can cause serious injury or death. You can’t tell by looking whether a line is “hot” or not. Even if a downed line isn’t actively sparking, always assume it is caring electricity.
- If you come upon a downed power line, don’t go near the wire or anything it is touching. Warn others to stay away. Call Cornhusker Power immediately.
- If you’re in an auto accident and power lines fall on your car, try to drive away from the lines. If your car is stuck, stay in the vehicle and warn others to stay away. Touching the ground and your vehicle at the same time could cause a severe, possibly fatal shock.
- Teach your children not to touch electrical wires that have fallen?
Look Up For Power Lines
- Have you installed metal objects, such as television antennas closer than twice their height to the nearest electric power line?
- Do you always look up for power lines when moving irrigation pipes, augers, well digging equipment, metal ladders and other tall equipment?
More Outdoor Tips
- Teach your children to never go inside the fence around a power substation?
- Don’t shoot at or otherwise damage insulators on utility poles.
- Only use weatherproof electrical outlets for outdoor use.
- Make sure you are using moisture-resistant applicance cords outdoors.
- Power tools should have heavy-duty, grounded cords.
- Never use electrical tools or appliances outdoors in the rain.
- All antennas should be grounded.
- Teach your children not to fly kites near power lines?
- Standby Generators: Warning! If you use a standby generator during power outages, remember that improper generator hookup can create serious problems in safety and service. It is very important that your generator have a double-throw stitch. This switching device is used to transfer the electric service from the power line to the generator. If it is not used, feedback from the generator voltage on power lines could endanger the lives of the line crews working to restore your power.
