Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Electricity can be a best friend or a terrible enemy to the average user.
A spokesman from Kosciusko County REMC said that the electricity it takes to light a small Christmas light bulb can be deadly if it passes through your chest. Approximately 300 electrocutions occur in homes each year, according to REMC.
Since electricity takes the shortest route to a ground, if a person is touching a faulty electrical source, it will be conducted through his body. Water is a good conductor and if a person is grounded in water, the electric shock will be worse.
Equipment plugged into a normal outlet will draw 120 volts, enough to seriously injure a person if conditions are unfavorable. An appliance such as a battery charger reduces the voltage, but the danger or electric shock remains.
The REMC spokesman said outdoor power outlets require ground fault circuit interrupters. They monitor the flow of current to and from appliances. If there's an imbalance in the flow, the GFCI will quickly cut power to prevent serious injury.
One of the most important rules for electricity is that power and water do not mix. Keep all appliances away from water, even wet hands. Never put metal objects in live appliances or outlets.
In outdoor use, keep ladders and other equipment away from power lines. Use only outdoor lights and extension cords with a ground fault interrupter. And never use electric power tools or appliances with rain overhead or water underfoot.
For outside activities using electricity, REMC recommends first carefully inspecting the equipment to be used. If there is any physical damage to the equipment or the cords, do not use them.
Use power tools and equipment safely by making sure a tool is turned "off" and never carrying it by its cord.
Keep tools clean and dry.
Know where to turn the power off and where circuit breakers are in the home.
Use heavy-duty wiring with grounded three-pronged plugs for safety in power tools.
Remember, electricity does not discriminate. Anyone can be injured.
