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Electricity Takes The Easiest Path To The Ground

Stay out of Electricity’s Path: Electricity takes the easiest path to the ground. If you touch electricity (or something touching the electricity) and the ground at the same time, you become a path. Electricity will flow through you. You could be seriously or fatally injured.

Child Safety - Keep Little Hands out of Trouble! If small children are in your home, put safety covers on all electrical outlets that are within their reach. Keep appliances and cords up and out of the way.

Electrical Fires - Keep your family Safe! Keep anything flammable away from light bulbs, heaters, or toasters. Turn off appliances before you leave home. Install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and have a family fire escape plan.

GFCI’s - They can save your life! Ground fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) shut off power in time to prevent serious shock. Use them in bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks, and outdoors. If your outlet has red and black "test" and "reset" buttons, it has a GFCI. Portable GFCI’s are also available.

Outlets - Don’t overload them! An overloaded outlet is a fire hazard. If your outlets are overloaded with many appliances, consider having a qualified electrician install additional outlets.

Appliance Cords - Frayed cords are Dangerous! Cord insulation keeps electricity in the wires, where it belongs. Regularly check appliance power cords and connections for wear; don’t use frayed or cracked cords.

Extension Cords - Practice Extension Cord Safety. Extension cords are for temporary indoor use. Keep them away from moisture, heat or metal pipes. Never put them under rugs because they can become frayed or cracked without your being able to see the damage.

In the Bathroom - Electricity & Water don’t Mix! Electricity flows easily through water, so keep hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, and other appliances away from sinks, bathtubs and wet hands. Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms.

In the Kitchen - Water and electricity can be Shocking! Always unplug an appliance before cleaning it. Even if turned off, it can shock you. Use outlets with GFCI’s for appliances near sinks.

Your Backup Generator - Make Sure it’s Safe! Never operate a home backup generator without a properly installed transfer switch that disconnects it from main power lines. A generator that remains connected to power lines can backfeed power into them, shocking unsuspecting utility workers.

Your Body Can Conduct Electricity! The human body is about 70% water, and electricity flows very easily through water. That’s why electricity can use your body as a path to the ground.