Choose Electrical Safety!

May is National Electrical Safety Month and AEP Energy is proud to celebrate with tips on how to practice electrical safety in and out of the home! Zero Harm is a goal that AEP Energy and our parent company, American Electric Power (AEP), take seriously at work and at home. It’s our commitment to look out for and care for one another.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in the United States there are about 1,000 deaths resulting from electrical injuries with high voltage injuries accounting for around 400 of those, and anywhere from 50 to 300 deaths due to lightning strikes each year. Over 30,000 non-fatal shock injuries occur annually, as well. So how can electrical injuries be reduced?

Prevention in the home

Whether you rent or own your home, electrical safety should be a priority. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has an educational library of resources for assisting homeowners, consumers, older adults and children on electrical safety.

A few tips for electrical safety in the home are:

• Follow proper use of extension cords – don’t overload cords as they can catch fire
• Practice DIY project safety – only attempt projects within your skill level
• Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – install detectors on every level of your home

Prevention outside the home

Practicing electrical safety outdoors is just as important for the prevention of accidents and injuries.

• Avoid powerlines – maintain at least a 10-foot distance from electrical lines whether trimming trees or using equipment
• Maintain outdoor outlets – check for loose connections and make sure outlets are covered for protection from the weather
• Generator safety – if you have a generator, be sure to keep it outside and position it away from doors, windows and vents

If you aren’t completely certain how to tackle a project involving electricity, don’t try it! Contact a professional electrician and leave it to the experts. Play it safe both inside and out!

AEP Energy does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, freedom from error, or value of any information herein. The information presented is provided “as is”, “as available”, and for informational purposes only, speaks only to events or circumstances on or before the date it is presented, and should not be construed as advice, a recommendation, or a guarantee of future results. AEP Energy disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related hereto, including any obligation to update or correct the information herein. Summaries and website links included herein (collectively, “Links”) are not under AEP Energy’s control and are provided for reference only and not for commercial purposes. AEP Energy does not endorse or approve of the Links or related information and does not provide any warranty of any kind or nature related thereto.