Play It Safe This Summer    

Summertime’s 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 about 200 consumer product-related electrocutions each year, which is down from about 600 deaths per year in the 1970s. May is National Electrical Safety Month as well as 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 ). The service is free.

• Antennas can be installed safely if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use common sense. Erect 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 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 area, or (800) 253-9409.