Electric power enters your home through a control panel and main switch where you can shut off all the power in an emergency.

A short or overload will trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse, causing the affected circuit to be shut off. If your electricity shuts off, find out why. Look for problems such as too many appliances on one outlet, defective appliances and frayed wires. Be sure to fix the problem before restoring the power. If you cannot find the problem, call an electrician.

If your control panel uses circuit breakers, they can be reset from "off" to "on." A blown fuse will show a broken metal strip under the view window. Replace the fuse with a new one marked with the correct amperage.

Always Ready to Use

Modern life runs on electricity. Wire carries electricity from the control panel in your home throughout the house. When you flip a switch, you complete a circuit, turning on a light or other appliance.

Wiring materials are made safe by insulation. Frayed insulation and broken wires on appliances and equipment are dangerous. Because they can cause a short circuit, shock hazard or possible fire, frayed and broken wires should be repaired, or better yet, replaced.

Personal Hazards - Don't Use Electricity Carelessly

Electricity is always seeking a path to ground. Touching a faulty appliance, plug, or bare wire can make you part of the electric circuit.

People are good conductors of electricity, especially if they are in contact with water on a damp floor or ground. Never use an electric appliance in a tub, shower or pool. Never touch an electric cord or appliance while your hands are wet.

Never insert a metal object into an appliance without first disconnecting it.

Check the wattage on appliance labels. Do not overload a circuit with too many appliances.

Turn off appliances when you go out.

Extension cords should only be used for temporary use. Keep them away from moisture, heat, or metal pipes, and never place them under rugs.

Many power tools and appliances require heavy-duty wiring with grounded three-pronged plugs for safety. Always use these with the proper outlet. Never pull out the grounding prong to accommodate use in an inappropriate outlet.

Regularly check your appliances and power tools for wear, corrosion and damaged grounding connections.

Keep ladders, kites, antennas and poles away from overhead power lines.

For your safety outdoors, only use extension cords, lights and fixtures specifically designed for outdoor use. Your outlet should be protected by a ground fault interrupter or GFI.

In Case of Fire

If an electrical fire starts at a wall outlet, turn off the main switch and pull the plug by the cord. Call the fire department and tell them it's an electrical fire. If the fire is small, use your home CO₂ fire extinguisher. Never try to extinguish an electrical fire with water. If in doubt, vacate everyone in the home.

If Someone is Shocked

Don't touch anyone in contact with a power source; you could also be shocked. Unplug the equipment or cut the power at the control panel. Call for medical help and tell them it's an electrical injury.

If the victim is outdoors and touching a power line, stay clear. Call for emergency assistance and contact the utility involved, if known. Do not touch the victim until professionals have verified that the power line is no longer energized.