With summertime, children are out of school, family vacations begin and temperatures are rising. This is a time for laughter and great memories.
To keep the fun times rolling, the National Safety Council picked June as National Safety Month. Throughout the month, organizations across the country focus on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in our homes and communities.
Stay safe this summer with these tips from Duke Energy (that you can use all year long).
At work or at play
- Always listen to your body. Sore, painful muscles are a sign that your body can be overheated. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective glasses.
- Wear broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater, and wear protective equipment, such as a wide-brimmed hat and UV sun glasses.
- Keep hydrated. Increasing your water intake from 3 to 5 liters (a little more than a gallon) per day can keep you from dehydrating.
- Eat small light meals.
For your pets
- Never leave your pet in a parked car.
- Limit exercise on a hot day.
- Provide ample shade and water for your pet, or bring them inside.
- Cool your pet from the inside out by giving popsicles or ices (popsicles).
On the water
- Keep clear of power lines that cross the lake.
- Stay 300 feet away from the upstream and downstream sides of the dam and powerhouse.
- When fueling, turn off electrical equipment and do not smoke.
- Do not enter the area below hydroelectric stations – also known as the tailrace. These areas are prone to a sudden rise and violent turbulence in the water.
- Always wear a life jacket.
“Wearing a properly fitting life jacket is essential and we encourage visitors to take advantage of the free life jacket loaner program at some Duke Energy access areas. They could help save a life.”
– Scott Jolley, a Duke Energy public safety official.
10 electrical safety tips
- Stay away from downed power lines. Do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (such as trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders). Call 911 and report the problem to your energy company.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit for severe weather. Keep water and nonperishable food items, first aid and medicines, flashlights and extra batteries in your kit.
- Look up for ladder safety. When using an aluminum ladder, check above for power lines. Make sure the ladder does not inadvertently touch or come near a power line.
- Never trim trees near power lines. Call your energy company for an evaluation of the trees and vegetation around power equipment before any removals.
- Keep away from transformers. They are generally green and mounted on concrete slabs, and are found in areas served by underground power lines. Never attempt to open the door of one of these transformers.
- Call before you dig. Call 811 at least three days before planting a tree or garden, or installing a deck or fence. This free service will ensure underground utility lines are marked.
- Be cautious on the roof. Avoid standing up and accidently touching a power line with your head or shoulder.
- Electricity and water don't mix. Keep electrical appliances, tools and toys away from wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
- Fly kites, model planes and balloons safely. Never fly them around power lines, and never use metal, foil or wire in your kite or kite string.
- Plug tools into the right outdoor electrical outlet. Make sure outdoor outlets are weatherproofed and protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
