Spring is here, and so is the potential for accidents as customers begin their spring cleaning, outdoor landscaping and home improvement projects. Be safe, especially while working outdoors near utility power equipment.

For residents considering roof repairs, exterior painting, landscaping or building a patio, following a few simple precautions can help avoid an accident:

Working Safely Outdoors
* Be sure to use extension cords marked for outdoor use. An indoor
extension cord used outdoors can result in electric shock or cause a
fire hazard.
* Call a licensed professional if your home repairs require work near
power lines.
* Look up, stay away, stay alive — even momentary contact with electric
lines can injure or kill. This applies to lines attached to utility
poles as well as those entering buildings. Always keep yourself, your
equipment, and anything you carry at least 10 feet away from power
lines. Contractors and other professionals needing to work within 10
feet of a power line should call 215-841-4000 in advance to make
arrangements to have PECO protect the work area. Be aware of power
lines that run through tree limbs and branches. Climbing or trimming
trees near power lines is dangerous. Trees located near aerial power
lines should always be trimmed by a qualified contractor.

When working underground, customers should call before they dig, especially when planting trees, building a fence or laying a foundation. Call three business days before beginning a project that involves digging. Professionals will then come out to locate and mark all underground facilities. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) recently approved the use of 8-1-1 as a national abbreviated telephone number for commercial and residential customers to use to provide advanced notice of excavating activities.

Inspect Your Home for Electrical Safety
* Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren’t overloaded.
* Examine electrical cords to make sure they are not frayed, damaged or
placed under rugs or carpets.
* Make sure the proper watt light bulbs are being used in light fixtures
and lamps.
* Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas that can get
wet such as the kitchen, bathrooms or outdoors.
* An older home may be inadequately wired for today’s electrical usage,
so to avoid the risk of fire or electric shock, hire a licensed
professional to replace worn and outdated circuitry and add additional
outlets to accommodate appliances and electronics.
* Test smoke detector batteries annually.

Use Electrical Tools Wisely
* Inspect electrical tools on a regular basis, including large tools such
as table saws, drill presses and bench grinders. Look for frayed power
cords, broken plugs or cracked housings. Never use a damaged product.
* Never use electrical tools in the rain or in wet areas. Specifically,
do not use electrically powered lawn mowers on wet grass.
* Use three-pronged outlets and plugs.
* Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment like face
shields, glasses, gloves and boots. Refer to the owner’s manual for
recommended protective equipment.