Home Safety

Using common-sense can keep you safe from accidental shock or electrocution:

• Never mix water and electricity. That means do not allow a hairdryer, radio, or other electronic device to be used around water – especially the bathtub.
• Make sure bathroom outlets have a ground fault interrupter (GFI) device installed. The GFI will trip the electric circuit if a fault is detected.
• Replace cut, punctured, or worn electric cords. Never run a cord under a rug or through a wet area.
• Use three-pronged plugs. The third prong grounds the circuit and prevents shocks.
• Don’t mess with breaker panels or fuse boxes. If a circuit trips and you are not sure why, call a licensed electrician.
• If an appliance is sparking or buzzing, turn it off and get it fixed or replaced.
• Never overload a circuit. Big multiple-plug devices lead to overloading and the possibility of a fire.
• Make sure portable space heaters have automatic shutoff devices should they tip over.
• Never stick a fork or knife in a plugged-in toaster to retrieve a stuck piece of bread.
• Always unplug electric devices before doing repairs.

The leading cause of accidental contact with power lines in Oregon is tree trimming or tree removal. Follow these common-sense safety tips:

• Look up! If you see a wire in the area where you want to work, call HR Co-op at (541) 354-1233 first.
• Don’t build a treehouse in trees with power lines in them or near them.
• Don’t prune a limb that is near or touching a wire. Tree limbs contain water and can conduct electricity.
• If possible, let a professional do your tree trimming.
• Although the “service” wire (from the transformer to the connection at your house) usually is insulated, never consider it safe to work around. The insulation can be worn, creating a hazard.
• Remember that metal ladders and other tree-trimming equipment are excellent conductors of electricity. Stay clear of wires.

Most outdoor electrical accidents result from contact with overhead electric conductors. Here are some tips:

• One more time: Look up. You don’t actually have to touch a wire to get shocked by an overhead line. Electricity can jump to a good conductor, such as a metal ladder, if it gets too close to an energized wire.
• Always keep yourself and metal objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
• Always use grounded, three-prong extension cords outside.
• Ground fault interrupters (GFIs) are a good investment for all outdoor circuits.
• If you plan to dig more than 12 inches underground, call the Oregon Utility Notification Center by dialing 811. This free service, funded by HR Co-op and other utilities, locates underground utilities prior to your digging.

It isn’t uncommon to find yourself away from home when a storm hits, causing power lines to fall. Never go near a downed power line. Treat all lines as dangerous until a utility crew arrives and deals with it. Other tips:

• If a wire falls on your car, stay inside it. If you attempt to get out and one foot touches the ground, an electrified line on your car will complete a circuit to the ground. You can be electrocuted.
• You don’t have to touch a wire to be electrocuted. Electrical current can flow through water, metal, or wet ground. If you are too close, you can be hurt or killed.
• Never shoot at power line insulators.
• Never fly a kite near power lines, and never go into a tree near wires to retrieve a stuck kite.
• If you have a sailboat, always be aware of overhead power lines near marinas or areas where you will have the mast in the upright position.