Safety Tips around Electricity

With electricity it's always best to err on the side of caution. Here are just some of the most important guidelines for the use and handling of electricity.

Tree Trimming...

Trees can cause power outages when branches rub against power lines, or branches break and fall on lines or when trees are blown over on to power lines during storms. Please call us to report downed trees or vegetation growing into or through power lines at 978 827-4423.

Digging...

Call before you dig! It's the law. Do not send an email. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call -- even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Call two days in advance of digging and a representative will send out someone to mark underground facilities.
At least 2 days in advance, do the following:
Call DIG SAFE by dialing 811. IMPORTANT: Click here for more from DigSafe.

• Other Important Rules...

• Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated.
• Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities. If working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires.
• If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not leave your vehicle. Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire. Call or ask someone to call the local electric utility company and emergency services.
• Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
• Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized.
• Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.
• If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects, and use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Always use caution when working near electricity.

Other great resources for electrical safety tips...

• SafeElectric.org
• The Electrical Safety Foundation
• Or, just Google "electrical safety" for more helpful information.