May is National Electric Safety Month

Published on May 02, 2024

Press Release Source:
Board of Public Utilities (BPU) 

Release Date: May 1, 2024 

Be safe at home and outdoors with simple safety precautions

(KANSAS CITY, KS) — May is National Electric Safety Month, and the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is taking the opportunity to educate customers and the community about steps that can be taken to reduce the number of electrically related injuries and fatalities – both indoors and outdoors. From inspecting power tools for broken plugs or frayed cords, or staying away from downed power lines, a few simple reminders can make a huge difference.

Always take safety precautions, and remember to teach children how to be safe around electricity as well. Following a few simple steps can help prevent accidents, fires, property loss, or worse.

Outdoor Safety Tips:

• If you see a wire on the ground, stay away. Call BPU at 913-573-9522. Call this same number if anything gets caught in or near a power line.
• If you are planting trees, installing sprinklers, or digging in your yard, call 811 to locate all underground utility lines before you dig.
• Keep antennas, balloons, kites, ladders, and trees away from overhead power lines.
• Always inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords or broken plugs. If damaged stop using the equipment immediately.
• Do not use electric power tools or appliances in the rain or while standing in water.
• When working outside, only use extensions cords marked for outdoor use and rated for the power of your tools.
• Teach your children basic safety rules at an early age. Make sure they watch for “Danger” signs on high-voltage equipment.
  
  

Indoor Safety Tips:

• Keep electrical devices and outlets away from water to prevent shock.
• Reduce the electrical load by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• Unplug all unused appliances to reduce potential risks.
• Give appliances proper space for air circulation to prevent overheating.
• Never run cords under rugs/carpets, doors, or windows.
• Use outlet covers or plastic outlets cap to keep children safe around outlets.
• Protect your equipment and computers by installing surge protectors on electronic devices and appliances; look for the proper UL rating.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Test them monthly, change batteries once a year, and replace the units every 10 years.
  
  

For additional information about electrical safety go to www.BPU.com. Be sure and check out BPU’s KidPower webpage as well, providing helpful and educational resources for children and young persons.

About BPU
BPU’s water department was originally created in 1909, and its electric utility was operational in 1912. The purpose of the utility, then and to this day, is to provide the highest quality electric and water services at the lowest possible cost. Today the publicly owned utility serves approximately 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers, primarily in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The mission of the utility and its employees is “to focus on the needs of our customers, to improve the quality of life in our community while promoting safe, reliable and sustainable utilities.” BPU’s Web site is www.bpu.com.

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