Spring Safety Tips :
Dam Safety
When near a hydroelectric dam or station, make sure you:
· Obey all warning signs, fences, booms, buoys and barriers. They are there to protect you. The areas inside can be dangerous, stay clear.
· Stay well back from the edge of waters above and below hydroelectric dams and stations.
· Never stand below a dam or anchor a boat there. Rapidly changing water levels and flows can take you by surprise and swamp your boat or put you in the grip of an undertow.
· Stay off hydroelectric dams or station structures unless clearly indicated as a walkway.
· Stay well back from the edge of a waterway where footing may be slippery.
· Don’t wade into moving water.
· When swimming, fishing or boating in a river, be aware of the water level and be alert to increasing currents or rising water levels.
Be Prepared for Spring Floods
Spring can mean the possibility of flooding. It is always a good idea to review safety procedures in case you find yourself ankle-deep in water.
Before Flooding Occurs
· If the basement is dry, turn off the main power switch.
· If your basement floods, do not attempt to turn off the main power switch.
· Notify the power company to disconnect power at the pole.
· Move large electrical appliances to the second floor or raise equipment off the floor by using tables or sawhorses.
· Remove all food from refrigerator. Leave the door open.
· Furnace motor fans, oil burn motors and pressure systems usually can be removed for dry storage.
· Make sure sump pumps work. Take precautions to prevent sewer backup.
After Flooding
· Boaters in flooded areas should avoid low-hanging energized lines. Do not travel by boat at night.
· Do not enter flooded basements or buildings which may contain energized electrical wiring or appliances.
· The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried and tested to ensure the integrity of the insulation.
· Circuit breakers that have been submerged must be replaced.
· Any circuit breaker removed after being submerged must be destroyed as they may not be safe to operate.
· Do not use any appliance, heating, pressure or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried and inspected by a qualified electrician.
· Before turning on power, have a qualified electrician inspect all wiring. Even if your basement did not have water, the interior structure may be soaked and still be a conductor of electricity.
Cottage Season
On your first trip to the cottage, check appliance cords and connections for signs of damage from four legged winter visitors. If you make your way up onto the roof to inspect shingles or the antenna take care to be aware and use caution around power lines. If installing a new flagpole or antenna be sure it is positioned so it can’t fall across any power lines.
Be an Expert Griller
Whether you use a propane or natural gas barbecue, keep safety in mind. Before starting the unit, check all the connections to make sure they are tight. Then, check for leaks by applying a mixture of soap and water to the hoses and gas cylinder head — growing bubbles indicate a leak. And before lighting the grill, remember to open the lid so gas can’t build up underneath it. Never hold a match or cigarette lighter over the grill: the quick ignition is sure to cause serious burns. Never barbecue in an enclosed space and keep children away from a hot grill.
Extension Cords and Air Conditioners
The inappropriate use of extension cords is a major cause of home fires. Before setting up your air conditioner for another season, have a qualified electrician install a new outlet if necessary. Remember that extension cords are temporary fixes — it is dangerous to use them as a permanent substitute for inadequate house wiring.