Safety

We use it every day and yet few of us give the potential dangers associated with electricity a second thought. Saint John Energy is pleased to provide this Energy Safety Site to educate you and your family about electricity. These interactive pages have some great tips to keep yourself safe as well as games and educational resources that can be used in and out of the classroom to learn all about electricity.

Take a moment and check out our new site on Energy Efficiency too!

Electrical Safety Indoors and Out

Electricity takes the easiest path to the ground. If you touch electricity and the ground at the same time, you become the path and electricity will flow through you. Respect for electricity is vital as carelessness could lead to serious injury. The following are some important tips on using electricity safely:

Indoors

• Never overload electrical outlets as overloaded outlets are a fire hazard. Have a qualified electrician repair all faulty outlets, fixtures and appliances immediately.
• Always unplug electrical appliances when cleaning or repairing them. Even if turned off, you can receive an electrical shock.
• Never run electrical cords under rugs or carpets as it could cause the cord to wear out and short circuit. If you can't see the cord, you will not be able to see any damage to it.
• Never use frayed or cracked cords. Cord insulation keeps electricity in the wires where it belongs. Regularly check appliance power cords and connections for wear.
• Do not touch bare wires or electrical contacts unless the power has been disconnected.
• Never insert a metal fork or knife into a toaster. Metal conducts electricity and you could receive a shock. If you must remove burnt toast, be sure to unplug the toaster first.
• Replace blown fuses with new fuses of the same amperage. If a fuse repeatedly blows, consult a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
• Never stick anything but a plug into an electrical outlet.
• Be very careful when using electrical items near water. Electricity flows through water so keep hair dryers, electric razors and other electrical appliances away from sinks, bathtubs and wet hands.
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Indicators (GFCI's) in bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks and outdoors. GFCI's shut off power in time to prevent a serious shock. If your outlet has red and black "test" and "retest" buttons, it has a GFCI. Portable GFCI's are also available.
• When unplugging appliances, do not pull on the electrical cord as it can cause damage that could result in a possible short circuit.
• If small children are in your home, put safety covers on all electrical outlets that are within their reach. Keep appliances and cords away from children.
• In case of an electrical fire, NEVER use water, if possible and safe to do so, unplug the appliance or equipment. If the fire is small, use a fire extinguisher made for use with electrical fires. If the fire is not small, leave the house or area immediately. Call 9-1-1 to get help.

Outdoors

• Do not attempt to trim trees that are touching power lines, we offer a safe tree trimming service free of charge.
• When working under or near power lines, ensure you are a safe distance (at least 3.6m or 12 ft) away from the line. When in doubt, contact us for assistance. Be careful when carrying ladders or other long tools around your home and be mindful of the power line from the utility pole to your home.
• Never climb power poles, transmission towers or fences surrounding substations. Overhead wires and other tower equipment carry very high voltage electricity.
• Pad Mount Transformers (large green boxes found on lawns or alleys) are sturdy metal cabinets containing transformers. Never sit on or near them and do not try to pry them open or dig around them. If you find one that is unlocked or damaged, call Saint John Energy immediately.
• Never touch a fallen power line. If you see a power line on the ground, STAY AWAY as it can be dangerous even if it is not sparking. Report the situation to Saint John Energy or 9-1-1 immediately.

  

• When working with power tools, ensure that you select tools designed for outdoor use. They should have heavier wiring and be double-insulated or have three-way grounded plugs.
• Do not begin to "dig" without requesting Saint John Energy's free "Call Before you Dig" service, as you may dig up a power line. If you hit an underground line you could be seriously or fatally injured. You could also be liable for damages.
• If you are in an accident and hit a power pole, if possible, stay inside the vehicle and wait for rescue workers. If fire or other danger forces you out, jump clear of any fallen lines without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Take care not to fall backward toward the vehicle or the lines. Land with your feet together and shuffle a long distance away.