APS Encourages Safety During Spring Activities

May 1, 2008

Phoenix, AZ  -   Summertime is just around the corner, and that means yard work, pool parties and trips to the local park. While most think of electrical safety as it relates to inside the home, it’s just as important when venturing outdoors.

“There are a number of potential electric safety risks outside the home,” said Randy Boles, a public safety consultant with APS. “Accidental electrical contact can mean injury, burns or even death. We ask all of our customers to take absolutely no chances with electricity.”

In addition to being National Electrical Safety Month, May is when most kids get out of school and suddenly find themselves around the home with more time on their hands. APS offers some tips to help you have a safe – and fun – summer:

• Appliances used outdoors should be plugged into outlets that feature weatherproof covers and are on circuits equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters. Never use an electrical appliance near a pool or other wet areas.
  
• Swimming pools mean summertime fun. But be careful that you do not get a long-handled pool-cleaning tool into power lines. If you are going to have a pool installed, make certain the location is well away from overhead lines.
  
• If you are beginning an outdoor project where digging is required, make certain you have determined the location of all underground facilities before you dig. Most areas now have a one-call service available to locate underground equipment for you. In the Phoenix metropolitan area, call the Blue Stake Center at (602) 263-1100 (1-800-STAKE-IT state-wide), or simply by dialing 811. The service is free.
  
• Antennas can be installed safely if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use common sense. Install your antenna in a safe location away from power lines, a distance of at least twice the length of the antenna and its mast. Work only in good weather and have plenty of help available.
  
• Though they are useful around the home, ladders – especially aluminum ladders – can be good conductors of electricity. Always look up for the location of power lines when carrying or setting up a ladder.
  
• Fly kites and model airplanes in open areas – perhaps a park or schoolyard – well away from trees and power lines. Kites should be made of wood, paper or plastic. Never use any metallic material in your kite.
  
• Treat all electric lines with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled. Any questions can be directed to APS at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix metro area, or (800) 253-9409 statewide.

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Damon Gross
(602) 250-2269