Outdoor Safety
Follow these safety tips when you’re working outside and around your home. Don’t forget to call before you dig to avoid cutting utility lines.
- Never remove the third prong of a three-pronged plug. It can protect you from electrical shock. Instead, convert two-pronged outlets to fit three-pronged plugs using an adapter with a ground tab.
- Turn off electrical products if a cord overheats.
- Use only weather-resistant heavy gauge extension cords marked "For Outdoor Use."
- Be sure amperage ratings for outdoor extension cords are higher than those electrical products they are used with. Check owners manuals and electrical labels.
- Outdoor electrical products should be:
- plugged in and turned on only when in use
- never left unattended outdoors
- turned off when being carried or being hooked up to attachments like mower baskets or saw blades.
- Never remove safety guards from lawnmowers, power tools, etc.
- Unless you are a qualified electrician, never try to repair electrical products yourself.
- Use safety goggles when operating lawn equipment and wear special safety gear suggested in power tool manuals.
- Clean up the area before mowing the lawn or using electrical clippers or trimmers.
- Keep cords out of your path or work area. Throwing the cord over your shoulder may help.
- Keep outdoor outlets and electrical products covered and dry between uses.
- Select a dry day to power up outdoors.
- If an electrical tool falls into a pool or pond, unplug it first. Do not reach into the water for it.
- Put a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) between your electric power source and your electric tool. In a mishap, a GFCI can cut off power in less than a second. A GFCI is an electrical device that can protect you from electrical shock and may prevent fires. They should be installed in kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor receptacles. You may have a GFCI built into your outdoor outlets. Or they may be in your mower, trimmer or drill. (Check your owner's manual.)
- No GFCI? Contact a licensed electrician for professional installation.
