Help prevent common outdoor electrical hazards by remembering these safety guidelines as the seasons change from summer to fall.
Power Lines
Always keep yourself and any tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines. Electricity can jump to nearby objects.
Before planting trees near a power line, do some research or speak with a professional to ensure there’s enough space for them to grow. If you suspect a tree is too close to power lines, report it to your electric cooperative.
Power lines are also underground. Call 811 before you dig to have a technician identify where your underground utilities are located. That way you can avoid them when you plant trees, build fences or do any digging.
Outdoor Outlets
Equip outdoor outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters, which automatically cut power when a powered appliance comes into contact with water or “leaks” electricity. You can also buy portable GFCIs for use with traditional outlets.
Install weatherproof electrical boxes or covers on outdoor outlets.
Warn children—and remind yourself—to avoid outdoor outlets when they’re wet or when it’s raining.
Generators
Between 2012 and 2022, carbon monoxide released by generators killed 749 people in the U.S.; 79% of those deaths were associated with generators used inside a building that was not properly ventilated.
Make sure your home is properly equipped with CO alarms and test them monthly.
Position the generator outside the home and well away from doors, windows and vents.
Do not plug a generator directly into a home outlet without a transfer switch installed to prevent backfeed, which could harm utility lineworkers making repairs or anyone who might come into contact with a downed power line.
Make sure your generator is properly grounded and rated to handle the load of appliances you want it to power.
Extension Cords
Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution and should not be used long term or permanently.
Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Outdoor cords will be labeled “For outdoor use” and are often orange.
Never attempt to extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it with another extension cord.
Be sure the extension cord is appropriately rated for the amount of electricity needed by the devices it will power.
Only use extension cords that have been approved and tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions or CSA Group. The laboratory’s mark should appear on a tag near the cord’s plug.
