Home & Pet Safety

Basics

Each year, hundreds of people are electrocuted in their home or yard. On its journey to the ground, electricity looks for the quickest path and travels through conductors.

Good conductors include water, metals, and people.

Human beings are good conductors simply because about 70% of the body is composed of water.

When electricity travels through the body, it can overload the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Electric burns can cause serious injury or death.

Electrical safety is something we should not take for granted. Find Electrical Safety Videos on MVEA’s YouTube channel.

How Does the Electricity in My Home Work?

Grounding is the method used to connect an electrical system to the earth with a wire.

It adds critical protection against electric shock and electrocution by using a grounding rod to provide a third path for conducting electricity in the event of a short circuit or an overload.

This will help protect the person working on the system, the system itself, and any appliances and equipment that are connected to the system.

Home Electrical Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 40,000 residential fires claim more than 350 lives annually. Electrical fires are most often attributed to problems with:

Electric cords and plugs

Lamps and light fixtures

Switches and outlets

Water & Electricity Can be Shocking

Water can carry electricity, so keep electric appliances and cords away from water.

Make sure your hands are dry before you touch anything electrical-even if you think it is turned off.

Don’t Overload Outlets

Do not place too many plugs in an outlet.

When younger children are in your home, make sure all unused outlets have safety caps.

Do not put anything in electric outlets except safety caps or plugs.

Check Your Cords for Safety

Talk about electrical safety with your children. If you are unsure what information to share with your children visit the Safe Electricity website.

If you find a damaged cord, replace it or have it repaired.

Never put extension cords under rugs and keep them away from water, heat, and metal pipes.

Pull on the plug, not the cord, when you disconnect.

Generators

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous.

Learn how to use generators safely (PDF).

Ladders

Use extra caution when you, or your contractor, are using a ladder while working outside around your home.

Look up first! Ladders, regardless of what they’re made of, can become electrified if brought into contact with overhead electric wires

Wooden and metal ladders can conduct electricity

Power Tools

Don’t use outdoor power tools – electric drill, hedge clipper, sander, electric mower – in the rain or while working with or on wet surfaces

Consider installing a ground fault interrupter on outside outlets

Antennas & Satellite Dishes

Before you work on a rooftop television or citizens band radio antenna or install a satellite dish, be sure the area is clear of power lines.

Install these devices where they won’t touch or fall on electric lines.

Pet-Proof Your Home for Electrical Safety With These Tips:

If your pet demonstrates an interest in electrical cords, check the cords frequently for signs of fraying and replace any damaged cords immediately. If your pet continues to seek them out, coat the cords with bitter-tasting pet deterrent available at your local pet store. If that fails, you can wrap the cords in flexible cable, or encase them in PVC. Some stores also offer pet-proof cords that serve the same purpose.