Summer safety 101: Identify and avoid outdoor electrical hazards
Ameren Missouri offers tips to keep families safe while enjoying summertime activities
With the first day of summer right around the corner, children and adults alike are venturing outdoors to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Before doing so, Ameren Missouri wants to remind its customers to be aware of the possible electrical safety hazards they may encounter this summer.
“With the weather warming up, families and friends are spending more time enjoying outdoor activities like grilling, swimming and home improvement projects,” said Tim Frankenberg, fire safety engineer for Ameren. “Practicing electrical safety, especially when water is involved and working near power lines, is integral to keeping you and your loved ones safe.”
To stay safe this summer, Ameren Missouri offers the following five tips:
Charge devices away from the splash zone. While it may be more convenient to have your charging cell phone or Bluetooth speaker within reach, it is not safe to keep either next to the backyard swimming pool or by the sprinklers. Make sure to keep all electrical connections off the ground and secure your devices on top of a table away from water.
Convert outdoor outlets to GFCIs. When it comes to the outdoors, you are not always in control of water’s proximity to an electrical outlet. Exterior outlets should be upgraded to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) through a certified electrician or use an approved GFCI extension cord. These are designed to shut off power as needed, which is why they are also commonly required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. Test these devices monthly per the manufacturer's instructions.
Use cords, lights and fans rated for outdoor use. The electronics that work inside your home are not always safe to use outside of it. To tell what is safe, check for labels on packaging that clearly mark them as suitable for outdoor use. The outdoor cords should have the "third" prong intact. Also, avoid running cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged, and pair them with GFCIs instead.
Stay clear of power lines and wires when trimming vegetation and performing home maintenance. It is important to assess your surroundings before starting an outdoor project, including the location of exposed wires and overhead power lines. Avoid these areas while working in your yard and remain at least 10 feet away from any overhead power line near your home.
Call 811 before you dig. You can disrupt utility service and even put your life in danger by failing to have underground utility lines clearly marked before digging. Even do-it-yourself projects that may seem small, including planting a garden, installing a yard stake for your dog or digging a sandbox require a call to 811.
In addition, when planning summertime activities like block parties and yard sales, utility poles should not be used for decorations such as banners, ribbons or balloons. These decorations create a hazard for utility workers and many balloons can conduct electricity, creating a shock hazard or power outage.
Ameren Missouri provides a variety of safety tips for customers, including severe weather preparedness, natural gas leak detection, electrical fire safety, Call Before You Dig and other general safety reminders. All of Ameren Missouri's customer safety tips can be found at Ameren.com/Safety.