Most outdoor electrical accidents result from contact with overhead electric conductors. Here are some safety tips:
- 1 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, or GFIs, are a good investment for all outdoor circuits.
- If you plan to dig more than 12 inches underground, call the Oregon One-Call Center at (800) 332-2344. This free service, funded by MEC and other utilities, locates underground utilities prior to your digging.