Electrical Safety

The power of electricity should never be taken for granted; electricity can be dangerous. This information covers safety measures to follow before, during and after a disaster or power outage:

• Use flashlights or chemical light sticks instead of candles
• If an outage occurs while cooking, turn off stoves, ovens and other appliances and remove items from the burners
• Turn off/unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics and NEVER cook indoors with charcoal or other fossil fuels
• Never use a portable generator inside a home, basement, or garage
• Stay away from downed power lines (always assume they are energized and dangerous)
• If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help

Downed Power Line Safety

Generator Safety

First Responder Safety

For police, firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), responding to emergencies involving power lines and electrical equipment presents serious, often unseen dangers. Understanding the fundamentals of electrical safety and implementing appropriate safety measures is crucial for protecting both first responders and the public in these high-risk situations. Learn more about first responder safety.