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| Fall Fix-It Season Has Potential Dangers |
(IRN)-Itching to get outside and plant something? Or clean something? Or paint something? Ameren says be careful!
Fall is a popular season for home improvement projects, but Ameren Illinois Utilities spokeswoman Victoria Busch says that means an increased risk for injury because of activity around power lines.
She says one of her most important rules is “"ook up." Busch says many accidents can be prevented if you recognize where the power lines are, and where they connect with buildings. She also stresses calling utility companies if you plan to dig.
Ameren tips:
■ Never touch or approach a downed power line. Assume any downed line is an electric line and that it is live. Call your local electric utility or 911 whenever you see a downed line. T
■ When working from ladders or climbing in and around trees, check to make sure there are no power lines near you.
■ If you are painting or making repairs on your house, be careful where you carry and place your ladder. Avoid contact with overhead wires.
- Avoid planting trees in locations that will cause problems with power lines once the trees are fully grown.
■ Before planting trees or doing any digging, first call the utility location service to have underground lines marked.
■ Watch for or correct problems with cords and faulty sockets. Avoid jerking on wires. It can break insulation and damage plugs.
■ Avoid walking on extension cords. Do not place cords under rugs or carpets where they can be walked upon or where someone can trip over them.
■ Avoid placing too many appliances on one outlet or socket.
■ Never replace a fuse with one that will carry more amps or with a coin.
■ Don't operate fans or heaters where small children can touch or fall on them. Also keep lighting wires away from toddlers.
■ Keep electrical connections off the ground and away from pools of water.
■ Avoid running outdoor lights or extension cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged.
■ Make sure appliances are unplugged when you are working on them.
■ Never immerse electric appliances in water or operate appliances while using water to bathe or wash something.
■ Don't leave irons unattended while they are plugged in. Keep appliances clean, and check them periodically for frayed wires or other problems.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 10 01 10 by Newsroom |
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