Electrical Safety

The Merriam Fire Department would like to remind you of the hazards associated with electricity. Knowing what could possibly be an electrical hazard and avoiding it could prevent injuries and possibly save your life and/or someone else's life. The following safety tips obtained from the KCPL booklet entitled "Electrical Safety and You". Please note the following safety tips for electricity:

• People are good conductors of electricity. Make sure to not stand in water or on a damp floor when using any electrical device.
• Never use any electrical appliance while in the bathtub or shower.
• Metal can conduct electricity so, before putting any metal object into any electrical appliance make sure to unplug it first.
• Never touch an electrical cord or appliance with wet hands.
• Check the wattage on electrical appliances before plugging them in to ensure that the circuit will handle the load safely. Never overload a circuit.
• Fuses or circuit breakers "blow" when there is an overload, short or faulty appliance. Fix the trouble before restoring power.
• Electricity will go to ground through any good conductor: metal, liquid or you! Stay out of its path.

Preventing Accidents:

• Turn off and/or unplug electrical appliances when you go out. Teach this good habit to your children.
• Know your electrical appliances, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that appliances and power tools have the label of a national testing laboratory.
• Use extension cords safely, keep them out of and away from moisture, heat sources, metal pipes and never put them under a rug or carpet.

Power Tool Safety:

• Before using a power tool check it for wear and corrosion.
• Clean them on a regular basis and inspect the cord well to ensure safe operation.
• Use a heavy-duty cord with a three prong grounding plug.
• Keep work and storage areas clean and dry. This will help eliminate some safety hazards.

Electrical Safety Outside:

• Use only electrical equipment designed for outside use.
• Keep ladders, kites and TV antennas away from power lines.
• Never climb power poles, transmission towers or fences around substations.
• Teach children to stay clear of all electrical installations.
• If you see a downed power line call 911 and warn others away.
• Always plug outdoor appliances into a ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet.
• Never build a garage, swimming pool or any other type of structure under the power line leading to your house.
• Before digging, learn the locations of underground power lines and other utilities.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips:

Know your emergency numbers and post them near or on the telephone.

If you see flames or smell smoke, unplug the appliance or turn the power off at the main control panel.

CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Be sure to give your name, address and tell them it is an electrical fire.

If you have a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires and the fire is small if you are comfortable put the fire out. NEVER USE WATER!

If the fire is to big don't panic, get everyone out of the house fast.

Rehearse your response in advance. Fire drills save lives!

If Someone Is Shocked:

• Do not touch anyone in contact with the power source. Unplug the appliance or shut the power off at the main control panel. Call 911 for help.
• Check for burns, do not touch the burn or break blisters. Get Medical help immediately. Electrical burn damage may not be immediately apparent.
• If the victim is pulseless and not breathing start CPR.
• Administering CPR requires training; contact your local fire department for information on how to get the required training.