Detroit Edison Offers Spring, Summer Safety Tips

Review your electrical safety practices for the spring cleaning and summer fun times.

The electric utilities are concerned with electrical safety in the spring and summer months. Why? This is the time that the aluminum ladders, high mast sailboats, etc. come out. Detroit Edison put together this simple list of rules to follow, so that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time. Print out this list and post it in the most conspicuous location in your home or workplace.

"The warmer weather brings everyone outdoors, and that increases the potential for people to come in contact with power lines or other electrical equipment," said Ron May, Detroit Edison vice president, Energy Delivery and Service. "By following some simple safety tips and 'looking up,' our customers can have a safe, productive and fun summer."

For Safety While Working at Home

• Always be aware where power lines are located. Make sure your large tools such as ladders, pool skimmers and tree pruners have plenty of clearance. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Fiberglass ladders are even safer because they don't conduct electricity.

• Protect yourself from shock hazards. Outdoor tools and extension cords should have heavier wiring, special insulation and a three-prong, grounded plug. Outdoor outlets should have ground fault circuit interrupters.

• If you're planning to trim trees, consult a professional tree-trimming service if there are power lines nearby. Trees conduct electricity and so do people. Let a professional handle this hazardous job.

• If your projects include digging post holes or other excavating, remember to call the underground locating number (Detroit - Miss Dig at 800-482-7171) at least three full work days in advance. Find out where underground utilities are located before you dig.

• Help your children learn to play it safe around electricity. Visit a new website that's just for kids, http://www.dtekids.com

Storm Safety and Power Outage Tips

• During a power outage, turn off lights and unplug all appliances and sensitive electronic devices such as computers and audio-visual equipment to prevent possible damage when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when electric service resumes.

• During low-voltage conditions — when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller than normal — shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage.

• Open refrigerators or freezers only if absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator can stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-stocked freezer will preserve food for two to three days. Partially-thawed food or food that has ice crystals usually can be refrozen.

• If using a portable generator, disconnect house circuits from the power lines. Pull, or switch to "off," the main fuses or circuit breakers to protect repair crews working to restore service. This ensures that electricity is not being transmitted from your house electric system to the power lines.

• Always operate generators outdoors and away from opened windows or vents to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes indoors.

• Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets, a furnace or any electrically operated appliance that is energized. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.

Boating Tips

• When moving a boat or raising or lowering the mast, make sure masts and antennas can clear electrical wires.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter when plugging into shore power outlets. This device will help avoid serious electrical shock that could result from defective tools or electrical appliances on a boat.

• When drying sails on the rigging at the dock, secure sails or lines so they cannot blow into overhead wires.

• Keep in mind that water levels may rise. Check for adequate clearance between the mast and power lines. Power lines that have been cleared previously may no longer have the same clearance.

• If a boat does contact power lines while on the water, remain low in the boat and do not touch metal parts of the craft. Leave the boat only after arcing or sparking has stopped.

• If an electrical storm begins, leave the water as quickly as possible.

In any situation, always be prepared for accidents, May said. If you observe any dangerous situations involving power lines, notify your local electric utility immediately.

Edited by: Jerry R. Borland, P.E.