Safety Tips

Inside Tips:

1. Never pull a plug out by the cord.
2. Do not overload outlets with too many plugs because this can cause a fire.
3. Don't use electrical equipment like radios and hair dryers near bathtub or sink.
4. Equip kitchens and bathrooms with ground fault interrupter outlets(outlets with red reset buttons) to protect you from being shocked.
5. After washing your hands or bathing, always make sure you are completely dry before touching a switch or plugging anything in.
6. Teach children to always keep fingers and other objects away from electrical outlets.
7. Child proof outlets to protect children from outlets.

Outside Tips:

1. Never touch any fallen wire, even with a broom or long-handled item. Consider every wire on the ground to be energized and dangerous. Call AMLP at (765)648-6480 or local law enforcement.
2. Notify AMLP and other utilities first if you plan to dig, excavate, bore, tunnel, blast or otherwise distrub the earth where buried utilities are located.
3. Stay clear of overhead power lines. Never assume an overhead power line is insulated.
   
   
   1. Keep construction crane booms, grain augers used in farming operations, flag poles, long-handled tree trimming tools, and long-handled swimming pool equipment away from overhead power lines.
   2. Never move any large object without first looking up.
   3. Don't put a tool shed, swimming pool, swings or playground equipment underneath a power line.
   4. Never Climb utility poles, towers or substation fences. If you have lost something over a substation fence call us at (765)648-6480 and we'll be happy to send a representative to retrieve it for you.
   5. Never put up a ladder beneath a power line or lean a ladder against a power line pole.
   6. Don't fly kites near power lines. if a kite should fall on a power line, never try to retrieve it or touch the kite string. Call AMLP (765)648-6480 for help.
   
   
4. If you are involved in a traffic accident that results in power lines touching your car DO NOT GET OUT of your car unless there is an immediate threat to your life, like fire. The tires DO NOT protect you. If you must get out jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Then shuffle away from the car, keeping both feet close together, to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electric shock.
   
   If you encounter an accident, do not approach a car that is touching power lines. Remain a safe distance away, keep the victim in the vehicle calm and wait for emergency personnel to handle the situation.
5. Never drive over downed power lines. Even if not energized, they can become entangled in your vehicle.
6. Never touch a person who is in contact with power lines or other objects that are touching power lines. You cannot help them by being electrocuted yourself.
7. Do not attempt to cut or remove a tree that is, or could become, entangled with power lines. Contact AMLP for assistance at (765)648-6480 and wait for a professional tree removal crew to do the job.
8. Do not allow children to play in trees close to power lines, or to swing on guy wires. If there are downed lines in your neighborhood, keep your children and pets inside. Teach your children about electrical safety as early as possible.
9. Do not plant vegetation to grow up or near utility poles or guy wires or throw objects up into power lines. These can cause short circuits that could result in injuries.

Adapted from Indianapolis Power & Light's Safety Tips for Outdoors and Indoors.