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June is National Safety Month - PSE&G Offers Suggestions for Staying Safe Around Electric and Gas

Posted on: Friday, 12 June 2009, 09:00 CDT

NEWARK, N.J., June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- June is National Safety Month and a good time for families to review the basics for keeping safe around electric and gas. PSE&G is reminding its customers that while working around the home or enjoying the summer's warm weather, it's wise to Play it Safe!

WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE

• Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines when using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity.

• Do not trim tree branches if a power line runs through them.

• Never build a swimming pool, shed or any other structure beneath a power line or anywhere on a utility right-of-way.

• Never operate electric trimmers, mowers or power tools on or near wet grass or shrubs or with wet hands. Always use heavy-duty, ground extension cords.

• Make sure appliances near sources of water are plugged into outlets with a "ground fault interrupter," or GFI outlet.

• Only buy UL-labeled appliances, wire, or other electrical supplies.

• Use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use. A three-wire, waterproof cord should be used for power tools and outside work.

• Use caution when painting or working in areas near the electric service entrance cable to your home.

SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN

• Never climb trees that are near power lines. Contact with a power line will cause either a serious or fatal injury.

• Keep kites, model planes and balloons away from power lines.

• Never operate a radio or other electric device near a swimming pool.

• A natural gas leak smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas, get out of the house immediately and report the problem to a responsible adult.

• Do not hang on gas pipes in the basement. Pipes can become loose, permitting gas to escape.

• Never play near "Danger High Voltage" signs.

TIPS FOR THE FAMILY

• Don't yank electrical cords from the wall. Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug, or the outlet.

• Larger appliances need their own separate circuit. Have an electrician look at your wiring to ensure that it's up-to-date and safe!

IF THERE'S A STORM

• Stay away from fallen power lines. Electricity may still be running through them.

• Do not approach a vehicle if a power line has fallen on it. (If you're trapped inside a car, stay there. The rubber tires will keep you safe until PSE&G is able to shut off power to the area.)

To report a gas leak or a power outage, call PSE&G 24 hours a day at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

Want to know what's new at PSEG? Go to www.pseg.com/getnews and sign up to have our press releases and weekly environmental commentaries sent right to your inbox.

SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G)

Source: PR Newswire

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