With spring upon us, many people are getting back to their gardens, yard work and home improvement projects. Just as you should be mindful about your energy use, you also need to be mindful about underground and overhead gas and electric power lines. Conservation Conversations™ takes a break from energy efficiency to ensure you know how to stay safe when it comes to gas and electric power lines.
If You Smell Natural Gas in the House…
• Don’t Use Your Phone
• Don’t Smoke
• Don’t Light a Match
• Don’t Touch any Electrical Switches
• Don’t Use Anything that Could Cause a Spark
• Leave the House and Call Your Utility Provider from a Neighbor’s House, Away from the Gas Odor
• As You Leave, Open Windows and Doors if You Can do so Easily and Quickly
• Stay Away From Your House until You Have Been Told it is Safe to Return
• Appliances: If a strong and hard to trace natural gas odor is coming from an appliance be sure to leave the area and call your utility provider immediately.
• Outdoors: If you smell natural gas when outdoors, there could be a leak in an underground pipeline. Call your utility’s emergency line immediately to report the odor.
You Should Always Call Your Utility Provider…
• Before You Dig: Call your utility before you start digging for a project, most utilities will come out and mark the location of underground lines. Digging can damage underground pipes or cables, which can be dangerous and expensive. Call your utility providers to ensure your safety and prevent expensive damage before you dig.
• If a Storm Knocks Out Your Power: Don’t assume your utility knows you are without power, all too often people assume their neighbors have called. Be sure to call your utility to ensure efficient power restoration.
• If your Power Goes Out: Be sure to check your fuses or circuit breaker, look to see if there is anything unusual like fallen tree limbs on a power line, and check to see if your neighbor’s power is out. Stay away from any downed wires. Call your utility provider to report your loss of power.
Tips for Electric Safety…
• Never Place Electrical Appliances and Equipment Near Water
• Check All Electrical Cords to Ensure They are in Good Condition
• Make Sure Your Hands are Dry. Never Touch an Appliance or Switch to Turn it On or Off with Wet Hands
• Don’t Overload Extension Cords
• Don’t use Extension Cords as a Substitute for Permanent Wiring
• Keep Electrical Cords Away from Toddlers or Pets
• Cover Unused Outlets with Plug Protectors
• Be Sure You Look Up, Down and Around: Stay clear of power lines, you or what you are carrying should stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. This is especially important with scaffolds, extension ladders and other long objects
• Don’t climb trees or fly kites near electric lines
• Check your Outdoor Wiring to be Sure it can Provide Sufficient Amperage for Your Power Tools and Heavy-Duty Equipment
Find no cost and low cost energy efficiency and conservation tips from Conservation Conversations! Use our tips to reduce your electricity, gas and water use to save 10% on your energy bills.
Para información en español visite: http://www.conversaciondeconservacion.com/
