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National Lawn and Garden Month: Outdoor Safety Has Its Own Set of Rules


 National Lawn and Garden Month: Outdoor Safety Has Its Own Set of Rules

April is National Lawn and Garden Month, as well as National Safe Digging Month, making it a good time to raise your outdoor safety awareness. Use these tips to play it safe around electricity.

  • Keep power cords, tools and equipment away from water and wet areas while using and when storing them.
  • Before you climb a ladder or extend the handle of a tool, look up so you can avoid overhead power lines.
  • Call 811 and notify your electric cooperative before you dig in your yard– just in case electrical equipment or other lines are buried on your property.
  • When you plant a tree or install a satellite dish, locate it at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
  • Inspect power tools for frayed cords, broken plugs, and weathered or damaged housings– before the first use this spring. Don't use damaged equipment. Unplug tools before storing them.
  • Scope out the area before you trim tree limbs and shrubs, as power lines are sometimes hidden by foliage. Trimming branches that are growing into or around overhead power lines is not a job for a homeowner. Members should contact Sam Houston Electric Cooperative to do that dangerous work.
  • If you need extension cords for your outdoor tools, be sure you have models designed for outside use. Also be sure the extension cords are rated correctly for your equipment.

Posted by Communications Specialist Mary Kate Pedigo, CCC