Idaho Falls, ID – Electricity is an amazing resource! Thanks to electricity, we can heat our homes, turn on the lights when it gets dark, take hot showers and even prepare a delicious meal for our family to enjoy together.

However, electricity can be dangerous, so it’s important that we always think about safety first when it comes to electricity.

By taking simple precautions, electrically related fires, property loss, injuries and fatalities can be avoided

Here are some great tips from the Edison Electric Institute:

Indoors:

• Check electric cords for fraying or cracking. Replace cords that may be damaged, and don’t overload electric outlets.
• Remember extension cords are intended to be temporary; they are not intended as permanent household wiring.
• Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs and don’t tack or nail cords to walls or floors.
• Keep electric appliances and tools away from water. Never reach for or unplug an appliance that has fallen into water; instead, turn the power off at the breaker before you unplug the appliance or remove it from the water.
• Never put anything other than an electrical plug in an outlet. Use outlet covers or caps to protect children.
• Keep your home’s electrical system in good repair. Contact a licensed electrical contractor if you have flickering lights, non-functioning outlets, or need wiring repairs or upgrades. Call 911  immediately if you see sparks or see/smell smoke coming from an electrical outlet so that the fire department can be dispatched to investigate the issue

Outdoors:

• Never touch downed power lines!
• Always call 911 to report downed power lines.
• Watch for overhead lines every time you use a ladder, work on roofs, trees, or carry long tools or loads. Keep kites, model airplanes, and metallic balloons away from power lines.
• Know what’s below before you dig. At least three days before starting any digging or excavating project, call 811, the National One Call Center, to have underground utility lines, pipes, and cables marked for free.
• Avoid planting trees underneath power lines or near utility equipment.

If anyone has questions, contact IFP at 208-612-8430.

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Bud Cranor.

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About Idaho Falls Power: Idaho Falls Power is a municipal electric utility serving the corporate city limits of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The City has operated the utility continuously since its establishment in 1900. Learn more on our website.