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Special
Safety Issue
How often do you think about electrical safety
- probably not as often as you should. Electrical safety is taken for granted -
that is, until there is an incident which results in destruction of property
or, possibly, injury or even death to individuals. Electricity is everywhere
and people at home, in the school and workplace need to understand how to use
it and electrical equipment safely. May is Electrical Safety Month. Please
review the safety information listed below.
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Outlets
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which
can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make
sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to
children.
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Cords
Make sure cords are in good condition - not frayed or
cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should
never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object. Do not
place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.
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Extension Cords
Check to see that the cords are not overloaded.
Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they
are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make sure extension cords have
safety closures to help prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth
burn injuries.
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Plugs
Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the
ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-conductor
outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN
OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid
overloading outlets with too many appliances.
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used
in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI
senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has
occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury
from electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly according to manufacturer's
instructions to make sure they are working properly.
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Light Bulbs
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make
sure they are the correct wattage. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than
recommended. If you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer
of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may
overheat.
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Circuit Breakers/Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should have the correct
current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct rating, have
an electrician identify the breaker or fuse rating to be used. Always
replace a fuse with the same rated fuse.
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Water and Electricity Don't Mix
Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might come
into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER
reach in to pull it out -even if it's turned off. Unplug it first and
don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.
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Appliances
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit
breaker, or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or
replaced.
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Entertainment/Computer Equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and
working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors.
Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification
agency.
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TOP
Salem Electric offers a wide selection of security
lights through our Security Lighting Program.
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No Need to be Afraid of the Dark
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For example, if you have four 150-watt
incandescent flood lights illuminating an area all night, you're spending
approximately $110 annually for energy, plus the annual replacement cost of the
lamps. Through our program we can install one 100-watt high pressure sodium
light. Your annual cost would be slightly over $84 and you would never have to
worry about replacing or repairing the fixture. We'll maintain the light at no
charge; just call us if there's a problem and we'll take care of it.
The program offers both area and flood lights of
various wattage which are controlled by photocell (they come on at dusk and go
off at dawn). We can set a pole or use an existing pole and install the light
at no charge, however the location of the pole must be accessible for our line
truck. The lights are "rented" to our customers on a monthly basis. Program
participants must sign a five-year contract to be eligible.
If you're interested in having Salem
Electric install your security lighting, please call our Engineering Department
at 362-3601.
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SAFETY FIRST!
 Are
you planning to dig in your yard? Underground wires or pipes might be
buried there. In 1987 the State of Oregon enacted HB2051. This law
requires any excavator to notify owners of all underground utilities a minimum
of 48 hours (2 working days) before digging begins. Contact with electric
wires or natural gas pipes can be extremely dangerous.
In addition, damage to TV cables, phone lines or
water pipes can be very expensive to repair. Remember, one call notifies all
Salem and Keizer utilities. ``Before you dig call 1-800-332-2344" to request a
free underground locate.
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One More Reason Why We Care
 As
your electric cooperative, we care about you and want to make sure you stay
safe. Sometimes it's easy to forget some of the simple rules about
electricity.
Remember:
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Don't plug too many things into one outlet.
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Don't use electrical appliances, like radios and hair dryers,
near water.
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Don't use a higher wattage light bulb than recommended.
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We think all our members should see an analyst.
 An
energy analyst, that is.
Meet Energy Analyst, Willie Ball, our expert in
residential weatherization. After a thorough examination of your home, he can
tell you which of our energy-saving programs apply, saving you money and making
you more comfortable.
Usually only one visit is necessary. But if
your home is in great need of attention, an additional visit may be required.
Need someone to talk to? Call our Conservation
Department at 362-3601.
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