Safety Tips for Outdoor Chores & Play
Keep Mylar Balloons Away From Power Lines
Kites and balloons that come in contact with power lines can cause power outages. Keep them far away. If the wind pushes your kite near a power line, let go of it.
If you see anything caught in power lines, call us at 1-800-611-1911.
- Enjoy Balloons Safely
- Keep balloons indoors and far away from power lines. More tips:
- Never attach metallic streamers to balloons
- Be sure balloons are secured with weights as required by California law; find balloon weights at party supply stores
- Balloon Safety Tips
- Flying Kites Safely
- Enjoy your kite by flying it in an open area far away from overhead power lines and electricity facilities. More tips:
- Never attach anything metallic – wire, string, or fabric – to a kite
- Never fly a kite that’s damp or wet
- Enjoy Balloons Safely
Call 811 Before You Dig
Digging into underground utility lines, pipes, or cables can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood. That’s why we ask you to call 811 a few days before your digging project. An expert will come out to mark the location of underground utility lines, so you can dig safely.
Overhead Power Lines: Look Up, Look Out, and Live
When you’re doing yard work or outdoor chores, remember to look up and look out for power lines. Any contact with a power line can seriously hurt you, or even kill you. Be extra careful with ladders, tree trimming equipment, fruit-harvesting poles, pool skimmers, or any tool that you use above your head.
When you’re installing a rooftop satellite or antenna, or putting up a new flagpole, be sure to stay far away from overhead power lines.
Don’t Let Kids Play in Trees Touching Power Lines
Remind children to stay far away from trees that are growing into – or near – power lines. They could be energized and dangerous. To report trees growing into or near power lines, call us at 1-800-655-4555.
Never Attempt to Remove Anything Caught in Power Lines
Whether it’s a kite, a balloon, or even an animal, never try to remove anything caught in power lines. It’s a job for trained experts. Instead, call us at 1-800-611-1911.
Pruning Trees is a Job for Experts
If your trees have grown into or near power lines, pruning requires the expertise of a qualified line-clearance arborist. To report trees growing into or near power lines, call us at 1-800-655-4555.
Select the Right Outlet
To keep your family safe from electrical shock, use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets around the swimming pool or spa, and wherever you use power tools and equipment. GFCI outlets can sense unsafe electrical hazards and automatically shut off power before a serious injury or electrocution can occur.
To learn more about installing GFCI outlets, consult a qualified and licensed electrician.
Never Mix Water and Electricity
Water conducts electricity, and water that’s been in contact with electricity can be deadly. Remember:
- Never use electrical devices or power tools near water
- Store electric-powered equipment in a garage or shed – and away from the elements
- Dry your hands thoroughly before reaching for anything powered by electricity
Holiday Lights and Decorations
When the holidays are near and it’s time to decorate, help your family enjoy the season safely.
- If you find frayed cords or wires, broken fuses, or cracked light bulbs, throw away the strand and get a new one
- Never use nails or staples to attach a string of lights or a cord
- Choose extension cords that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, CSA, or ETA
- Don’t overload: limit yourself to three strands of lights per outlet
- Unplug decorative lights when you leave home or go to bed
After the holidays, there’s a safer way to remove and store lights and decorations.
- Unplug decorations, lights and extension cords before removing them
- Never allow children to tug on electrical cords – there’s a risk of tearing the insulation and exposing wires
- Outdoors, keep ladders, long-handled tools, and dangling light strands far away from overhead power lines, service drops, and pole-to-house connections
- Follow manufacturers’ and your city’s directions for safely disposing of worn or broken lights and decorations
Connecting a Portable Generator
If you use a portable generator, rely on a qualified installer or licensed electrician to connect it to our system or to your home’s wiring.
Did you know that connecting a generator directly to a household circuit creates “backfeed” which presents a danger to our repair crews? If you need your generator to be wired directly to your home, notify us first at 1-800-655-4555 – it’s the law.