(NAPSA)—You can protect yourself and your family in the event of the hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and lightning storms that kill and injure thousands every yearif you’re knowledgeable aboutelectrical safety during and after weather disasters. “After severe weather is gone, electrical hazards can still cause deaths and injuries,” noted Brett Brenner, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) president. ESFI warns consumers to beware of electrical dangers associated with downed power lines, portable electric generators and electrical wiring or appliances that have been wet. These precautions can help: * Use care when stepping into flooded areas—whether indoorsor out. Submerged outlets, electrical cords, and downed power lines can energize water, posing a lethal trap. Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them. If you see someone whois in contact with a downed powerline, do not touch the person. You could becomethe next victim. Call 911. * Do not drive over downed powerlines. Have electricians install portable electric generators to ensure they meet local electrical codes and are properly grounded. Improperly installed generators can “backfeed” along power lines and electrocute crews working to restore power. Keep the generator dry. Do not operate it in enclosed or partially enclosed areas. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide. * Do not overload a generator; follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Use care when stepping into flooded areas—whether indoors or out. Stay away from downed powerlines and anything touching them. * Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help preventelectrocutions. * Do not use electrical wiring or equipment that has been wet. Contact a qualified service repair dealer to recondition electrical equipment; a licensed electrician can inspect electrical systems. To avoid lightning strikes, stay indoors and away from windowsduring storms. During electrical storms, do not use corded telephones except for emergencies. Avoid contact with water and plumbing duringelectrical storms. If outdoors during electrical storms, move to a low point. Stay away from metal items. * Don’t forget pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not safe from lightning. Chained animals can easily become victims of lightningstrikes. Visit ESFT’s Web site at www. electrical-safety.org or call (703) 841-3229 for more information.
