Four electrical hazards to avoid this spring
Ameren Missouri offers crucial home safety advice for customers
With winter in the rearview mirror, the longer, warmer days on the horizon will inspire many homeowners to get started on outdoor projects. Before beginning these projects, Ameren Missouri reminds customers to be aware of several electrical safety hazards they may encounter as they head outdoors.
"Starting on outdoor projects is a great way to welcome the warmer weather, but it's crucial to be aware of potential electrical hazards at home," said Tim Frankenberg, fire safety engineer for Ameren. "A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your family safe."
Ameren's four electrical safety hazards to avoid this spring:
Electric equipment near water – Water and electricity don't mix, so a great rule of thumb is to keep electric equipment at least 10 feet away from wet areas. You should also plug into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are designed to shut off the power as needed to prevent a shock. These are typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. It is highly encouraged to test GFCIs monthly.
Underground utilities – You can disrupt utility service, including electric, natural gas and more, and even put your life in danger by failing to have underground utility lines clearly marked before digging. Call 811 at least three business days before you dig to mark the underground utilities.
Overhead power lines – Stay clear of power lines and wires when trimming vegetation, raising ladders and performing outdoor home maintenance. Always assess your surroundings while trimming or working in your yard or simply call a certified professional to safely handle the work. Remain at least 10 feet away from any overhead power line near your home.
Indoor electrical cords and electronics for outdoors – Before plugging into an exterior electrical socket, double-check your cords, lights or fans are rated for outdoor use. Also, avoid running cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged, and pair them with GFCIs instead.
Ameren Missouri provides a variety of safety tips for customers, including how to be safe around water and electricity, severe weather preparedness, natural gas leak detection, electrical fire safety, Call Before You Dig and other general safety reminders. For more information on safety, please visit Ameren.com/Safety.