For National Electrical Safety Month, PSEG Long Island Offers Helpful Tips!

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and PSEG Long Island reminds its customers that they can take simple, cost-free precautions to stay safe around their homes and neighborhoods.

“The safety of our customers and employees is always PSEG Long Island’s top priority, so National Electrical Safety Month is an important opportunity for us to spread the word,” said John O’Connell, vice president of Transmission and Distribution at PSEG Long Island. “Our electrical workers undergo extensive training so they can work safely, and we also want to educate the people we serve about how to stay safe around electricity in and around their homes.”

Electricity is essential to modern life, yet it can sometimes be taken for granted. Here are some practical tips to help customers stay safe:

• Do not handle electric appliances with wet or damp hands, and never use electric appliances in wet or damp conditions, unless the appliances are specifically rated for that use.
• If there are small children or pets around, make sure unused wall outlets have safety coverings. All outlets within reach should be protected with plastic closures that fit snugly and cannot be removed easily.
• Inspect all appliances and extension cords regularly to ensure that they are in good condition. Cords should not be frayed or damaged. Ensure that cords do not run under rugs or have furniture resting on them.
• Never pour water on an electric fire, as water acts as a conductor and can cause shock. A fire extinguisher rated “Class C” should be used for electric fires.
• Install smoke detectors on the ceiling away from air vents and near bedrooms. Test smoke detectors every few months to ensure they’re working, and change the batteries every spring and fall when the clocks change.
• Never touch a downed wire or go near one. Always assume the power line is live, and call PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 to report downed wires.

For more information about how to use electricity safely at home, please visithttps://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/safetytips/personalandhomesafety.