ESFI Urges Consumers to Generate Safety During Outages! Portable electric generators are a good source of power for heat, light, refrigeration and cooking during electrical outages. But, if generators are improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly. People die needlessly every year in accidents that involve portable electric generators. Safety awareness can prevent those deaths.
Do not go around power lines on the ground. Always assume line is energized and call Concordia Electric. Keep everyone away from the area until our personnel arrive on the scene.
If one must be used, place it in a "No trip zone" and never under carpet or rugs. Connecting multiple cords or using damaged ones may cause overheating and fires.
Keep heaters and fans at least 3 feet away from curtains and furniture. An adapter must be used when plugging in a heater with a three-prong plug in a two-hole outlet. DO NOT REMOVE THIRD PRONG!! Never go to sleep with a space heater on.
To prevent shocks and death, GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupter) should be installed anywhere water and electricity can mix.
Louisiana Law (LRS 45:141-146) prohibits unauthorized persons from working within 10 feet of any high voltage overhead lines. The law requires certain conditions be met before work is done within 10 feet of overhead power lines. This also includes moving equipment under the power lines. Notice is to be given to owner or operator of lines at least 48 hours before any work is done. The work shall be performed only after satisfactory mutual arrangements have been negotiated between the owner or operator of the high voltage overhead lines and the person or persons responsible for the work to be done.
For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation's web site at www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229. Founded in 1994, ESFI, the Electrical Safety Foundation International, is North America's only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace.