Electricity provides convenience and comfort, but contact with it can harm or kill you. To stay safe, follow these Electrical Safety Tips:

  1. Water conducts electricity. Do not use electrical appliances near water, even if you have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
  2. Overloaded outlets and overheated cords and appliances are the third leading cause of house fires. Too many cords plugged into one outlet can lead to overloading. For more than two cords, use a power bar, not octopus outlets.
  3. Electrical cords need to be insulated with plastic to prevent you from getting shocked. If you have a cracked, frayed or broken cord, it is best to replace the connected appliance. For minor damage, electrical tape may be used.
  4. Appliances that are plugged in have electricity running through them, even when they are turned off. If you need to fix an appliance, unplug it first.
  5. Before hanging pictures, use a stud finder with an AC detector to tell you where live electrical wires are located in the walls.
  6. If your basement is flooded with water beneath the outlets, turn off the breakers for the area before addressing damage. If water is above the outlets, do not enter the area. Call the ENMAX Trouble line (403) 514-6100 to have your outside power meter shut off first.
  7. A licensed electrician is recommended to address electrical concerns you may have.
  8. If you do receive an electrical shock, visit you doctor. Electrical shocks can permanently interrupt normal heart rhythms if not treated.