May is Electrical Safety Month -- As your local energy partner, and in honor of National Electrical Safety Month in May, Haywood EMC is encouraging members to take time this month to talk to your family about safe electricity practices.

You can start by sharing these simple tips:

Inside

• Never put anything other than an electrical plug in an outlet. Use outlet covers to protect children.

• Examine electrical cords often for fraying or cracking, and throw away any worn cords.

• Extension cords are for temporary use. They are not intended for use as permanent home wiring.

• Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be used in any area where water and electricity could mix—including kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors— and should be tested monthly.

• Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands or use them near sinks, tubs, toilets or showers.

• Don’t use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Outside

• Never go near or drive over a power line. If you encounter a downed line, stay far away and notify Haywood EMC at 828-452-2281

• Keep kites, model airplanes and metallic balloons away from powerlines.

• Watch for overhead lines with using a ladder, working on a roof or carrying a long tool.

• Call 811 before any digging project.

• If it is necessary to use a portable generator, always operate the generator outdoors in an open area. Use an extension cord to connect the generator directly to the appliance, and ensure the extension cord has three-prongs and is rated for the amount of power used by the appliance. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring unless the work is completed by a licensed electrician. This prevents back-feeding, which could electrocute utility workers.

For more safety tips and information, visit haywoodemc.com/safety-quiz