Electricity Safety Tips

  • Jun 04, 2007

You’re an excellent conductor -- of electricity that is. So is metal. A good conductor offers little resistance to the flow of electricity. What does this mean to the average homeowner? Stay away from power lines.

If you are working with a ladder doing typical outdoor chores like painting, cleaning gutters, washing windows or repairing the roof, always be aware of overhead electric lines. Keep the ladder, yourself and anything else at least 10 feet away to avoid an electric shock.

Make sure children know they should never carry anything long in an upright position -- such as ladders or fishing, flag or swimming pool poles. And never set up a tent near an overhead electric line.

Oncor Electric Delivery offers these tips as part of its Lifetime of Safety campaign:

  • The best insulator is lots of space. You don't need to actually touch a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump, or arc, from a power line if you get too close. Stay at least 10 feet away. Never touch anything that is touching an electric line.
  • The only safe way to trim trees near power lines is to call a professional. Every year, people are injured or even killed when they climb or prune trees near power lines. Tree limbs in contact with power lines can act as conductors, and a person can be seriously injured if contact is made.
  • If someone is shocked by electricity, turn off the circuit breaker. Never try to grab the person or move a power line until the power is turned off, or you may be electrocuted.
  • If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line, it and the ground around it may be electrified. It is safer to stay in the vehicle and wait until the power company arrives to shut off power. Only leave if you are in imminent danger, then jump free of the vehicle and hop to safety with both feet together.

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