BERLIN, Connecticut - May 1, 2009 – May is National Electrical Safety Month and The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) is reminding customers that with warmer weather and vacations come more outdoor activities and potential distractions.
CL&P is now offering customers "Your Safety On The Line," an award-winning DVD that features electrical safety best practices and guidelines to follow in the event of an accident involving electricity. The video was originally developed by CL&P to educate emergency workers and contractors about measures to minimize and prevent serious injury. "This is information that we use every moment that we're on the job," said Bruce Bolger, director, Safety, CL&P. "It's information that our customers should know as well. For some folks this will be a wake-up call, and that's good, especially at this time of year when people are outside and doing things around sources of electricity."
Customers can view the video in English or Spanish and/or order free copies of the DVD by going to the company Web site (www.cl-p.com) and clicking "Safety."
CL&P also offers these helpful tips to make this time of year safe and enjoyable:
- When working outdoors, position ladders away from power lines; keep this in mind when painting or cleaning gutters. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity. Maintain a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from overhead power lines.
- Underground wires are a hidden danger. Never dig around a home or business without checking for underground wires or cables. Contact Call Before You Dig (CBYD) at (800) 922-4455, or use the Call Before You Dig Web site (www.cbyd.com). Connecticut law requires you to call at least two full working days, excluding weekends and holidays, before digging.
- Before using any electrical tool, be sure to inspect it for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken sockets. When using an electric appliance outdoors, be sure it is plugged into an outlet that has a weatherproof cover and a ground fault circuit interrupter. Never use an electric appliance near a pool or other wet surfaces. If a problem occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the power, preventing a serious electric shock.
- Be sure all electrical equipment for your swimming pool is grounded properly. If you're installing a pool, have it inspected by your town's electrical inspector when the job is completed. A ground fault circuit interrupter should be installed on your pool's electrical equipment.
- Don’t let anyone climb utility poles, towers, pad-mounted transformers or trees near power lines. If your pet gets stranded on a pole or if your child’s ball or toy goes into a electric substation, don't try to get them yourself. CL&P customers should call (800) 286-2000 or (860) 947-2000 in the Hartford or Meriden calling areas.
- Never construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. That goes for the tail, too; it should be made only of dry string or cloth. Always keep your kite away from electric power lines and choose a clear, dry day for kite flying. If your kite should get snagged in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don't try to free it yourself. Call your electric utility company.
- Watch for power lines when sailing or bringing your boat ashore. Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer to avoid contact with power lines along the road.
- If you buy a generator, make sure it is properly installed by a licensed electrician and it includes a transfer switch. Keep in mind that you may also need a town permit or an official inspection.
- Always stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen wires are live and extremely dangerous. Don’t touch anything that may be in contact with downed wires. Call 9-1-1 or your electric utility company immediately.
To learn more about electrical safety, visit our Web site at www.cl-p.com, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov or Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.