May is National Electrical Safety Month – Stay Protected Working with Power Using These Safety Tips! 

Every May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety in the workplace and home, designates May as National Electrical Safety Month to urge you to stay protected when working with power. To commemorate National Electrical Safety Month, Security Specialists has outlined some simple steps that you can take in order to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss in your home or business.

1. Always use caution when working near electricity or power lines. Electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks, and electrocution, sometimes resulting in death.
2. Know where the power lines are located and where they are hanging before starting any project. Whether working on the roof, trimming trees, or painting your siding, it is your job to be aware of and to alert others about the location of nearby power lines.
3. Always 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.
4. Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
5. Always try to stay at least ten feet away from all overhead power lines when working.
6. Stay at least thirty-five feet away from downed lines.
7. 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.
8. Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.

We at Security Specialists Want You to Stay Safe and Secure When Working Near Electricity!