Electrical Safety Unlike other products we use every day, we can't see, hear or smell electricity. So we may not always think about using it safely. A moment of carelessness, or a piece of faulty equipment, can cause an electrical accident. The number one electrical safety tip is: "Be Aware." The more we learn about the safe use of electricity, the less our chance of injury. Please review these safety tips. We want you to be safe using the electricity you need.

When you're working outdoors -- on the job or around the house -- Remember: You shouldn't even get close to power lines. We all need electricity, but nobody needs accidents. Don't put your life on the line. Accidents can happen -- to you or someone you care about -- if you're not careful. Here is some important information to help you avoid electrical accidents at home and at work. Thanks for being careful! Ladders Ladders, regardless of what they're made of, can become electrified if brought into contact with electric wires. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity. Bear that in mind and use extra caution when you or your contractor are installing siding, painting, cleaning gutters or have other reason to use a ladder while working outside around your home. Wires Treat all downed, hanging, or burning wires as though they are "live" - energized - and stay away from them. Be especially attentive to children who might be outdoors if fallen wires are in the neighborhood. Report any downed, hanging, or burning wires to CL&P or the police or fire department. If you happen to be in a vehicle and wires are on or near it, stay in your vehicle and tell others not to touch it. They should call to our Customer Service Center. Tree Work Electric wires may be concealed in the trees or shrubs you want to trim. Before you trim trees or shrubs, inspect the area carefully to ensure that it's clear of wires. Climbing Never let children climb utility poles, towers, or trees near power lines.

Some households use a backup generator to supply them with power during an outage. Proper installation of generators is essential to prevent a house fire and to avoid electricity feeding back into our lines and endangering the life of an unsuspecting line worker. Please follow these guidelines if you are considering buying or using a generator: Before you buy a generator, make sure it's the right size for your needs. Always have a licensed electrician install the generator. You may need a town permit or an official inspection. The generator must be connected to your home's wiring through a special transfer switch to be sure electricity produced by the generator does not backfeed into our electric lines. Generator exhaust is deadly, so it's important that the unit be vented outside. If you have any questions, call us.

Other Important Safety Reminders
ANTENNAS: Before you work on a rooftop television or citizen's band radio antenna, be sure the area is clear of power lines. Install antennas where they won't touch or fall on electric lines.

POWER TOOLS: Don't use outdoor power tools - electric drill, hedge clipper, sander, electric mower - in the rain or while working with or on wet surfaces. Consider installing a ground fault interrupter on outside outlets.

KITES: Never construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. That goes for the tail, too; it should only be made of dry string or cloth. Always keep your kite away from electric power lines and choose a clear, dry day for kite flying. If your kite should get snagged in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don't try to free it yourself.

BOATS: Watch for power lines when sailing or bringing your boat ashore. Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer so you can avoid contact with power lines along the road.

POOLS: Be sure all electrical equipment for your swimming pool is grounded properly. If you're installing a pool, have it inspected by your town's electrical inspector when the job is completed. A ground fault interrupter should be installed on your pool's electrical equipment. If a fault occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the power, preventing a serious electric shock. Do not have any plug-in appliances near the pool.