Safety At Home

Look for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, exposed wires or broken plates. Have them fixed by a qualified electrician. Use safety covers on all outlets accessible to children.

Do not place appliance cords where they will come into contact with the stove or other heated surfaces. Do not hang appliance cords over countertops, where they might be accidentally pulled down.

Worn or frayed appliance cords can cause fire, electric shock and even electrocution. As a basic home safety procedure, inspect cords regularly to assess wear and replace cords as needed.

Only use surge protectors with internal circuit breakers. To prevent overheating, these units will trip the breaker if the power strip is overloaded or shorted to prevent overheating. Do not plug a surge protector into an existing surge protector. When the surge protector is not in use, unplug the unit.

Avoid damp or wet areas when using electrical power tools outdoors. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes when working with electrical appliances outdoors. Never use electrical equipment when barefoot.

Exercise caution when using ladders, painting, pruning or cleaning near a service drop — where the wiring comes into a house or building at the meter. Weatherproofing on the overhead wiring is not insulation. This covering can become brittle and cracked, exposing you to electrical contact.

Read all manufacturer's instructions before use, and keep heaters away from furniture, curtains, sinks, tubs and water. Do not lay rugs or carpet over the cord. Do not use the heater if the cord is frayed or broken, and do not use an extension cord. Turn off the heater before leaving home or going to bed.

Do not use electrical appliances near pools or route extension cords in the vicinity of pools. Do not raise pool maintenance or rescue poles into overhead power lines.

Keep boat masts away from power lines.

Do not climb trees near power lines. Keep balloons, kites, fishing lines and aluminum poles away from overhead lines. The lines are not insulated and you could create a path to the ground by touching them.

Do not swing, climb or run into guy wires supporting utility poles. Report damaged guy wires to Georgia Power.

Ensure safe and easy access to your meter box—do not fence in meter boxes, use private locks on meter boxes, or surround meter boxes with trees and shrubs. Keep dogs safely secured away from your meter box.