Be Safe Around Electricity

Electricity is wonderful because it heats & cools our homes, powers our entertainment systems and makes cooking, cleaning, washing & drying clothes and other daily tasks less of a chore. However, electricity is also very dangerous and we should be careful around it. It’s important to remember that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to the ground. That means it will flow through almost anything in its path, including you.

If an electric charge can easily flow through something, it is referred to as a conductor. Most metals are considered conductors of electricity. Water is also a good conductor of electricity and that means so is the human body. Since our bodies are made up mostly of water – 80 percent water, in fact, electricity can easily move through our bodies on its way to the ground. If an electrical current cannot easily pass through and object it’s called an insulator. Most non-metallic items like rubber and plastic are considered insulators.

Electricity travels at the speed of light, so if a person comes in contact with electricity he or she will feel the jolt of electricity immediately. Electric current flowing through your body can cause damage to nerves and tissues, so it’s important to be very careful around electricity.

Because of this, we should always be aware of our surroundings when we are outside working or playing. Be cautious when handling ladders or other tools that reach high above your heads. Know where all the power lines leading into your home or yard are located. If you touch a power line with anything while you are standing on the ground, you become the electricity’s pathway to the ground. Never fly a kite around power lines when outside playing.

Beware of overloaded electrical outlets and frayed wires on appliances. Make sure you don’t overload electrical outlets in your home or business. If the cord on an appliance is frayed, you should always replace that appliance. You should check cords regularly for frays; never staple or nail cords to hold them in place – use ties or tape to secure them; don’t place them underneath rugs – this prevents the cord from staying as cool as possible and when unplugging something, never tug on the cord itself.

Never use an electric appliance, like a hair dryer or radio near water. Keep all electrical appliances away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip. Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water. Appliances that generate heat, such as clocks, televisions and computer monitors, should be given several inches of clearance all around for good air circulation and cooling. Do not drape clothes, toys or other items over warm appliances. Always follow appliance instructions carefully, and do not attempt amateur repairs or upgrades.

These are just a few safety tips we should all keep in mind when taking advantage of the conveniences electricity affords us. Just remember, electricity is always seeking the easiest path to the ground. If you come in contact with anything energized and the ground you will give the electricity a path through you to the ground.