May is National Electrical Safety Month, and PECO reminds residents, businesses, and contractors to stay safe around electric appliances, equipment, and power lines. Taking simple steps can help prevent electrical accidents.

Electrical/Aerial Power Line Safety Tips

. Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
. Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use.
. Inspect power tools and appliances. Repair or replace damaged items like frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked housing.
. Avoid using electricity in damp conditions, including wet grass.
. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) outdoors to trip electrical circuits when ground faults or current leaks are detected.
Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

Planning a large project, like replacing the roof or siding on your home? Make safety a priority, especially around aerial power lines.
➤ If you need to work around aerial power lines, contact PECO New Business Services at 1-800-454-4100 at least 14 days in advance.
➤ For some projects, depending on the overall scope, additional lead time may be required, especially if construction occurs within seven feet of an aerial wire. Contractors need to inform PECO six to eight weeks in advance as poles and wires may need to be relocated.

Call Before You Dig! It’s the Law!

Located underground is a complex network of pipes and wires for critical services such as electricity, natural gas, communications, water, sewage and other utilities. Unsafe digging can damage equipment. If you plan to dig anywhere – from large construction jobs to home projects – smart digging means calling 811 before each job. This is the first step in helping you to dig safely and avoid damaging critical utilities.

What you don’t see underground can hurt you. Before you dig, you are required by law to call Pennsylvania One-Call at 811 a minimum of three days before you plan to dig. They will help you to locate gas, electric and other underground utility lines. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying a foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or other digging device can damage power lines–and cause injury or worse.

Never assume you know what is below. Nationwide, one out of every three damages to underground utilities is the result of digging without calling 811.