Electric safety tips

• Know where your home's circuit panel is and how to turn off your breakers and main switch.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• If you’re using a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions. See safety tips about portable generators.
• Check for overhead powerlines when working outdoors around your house. Remember to keep tall ladders, roofing materials and pruning equipment clear of overhead power lines to avoid a hazardous situation.
• Stay clear of downed power lines.
• Never climb transmission towers, power poles or substation fences. If a pet is stuck after climbing a power pole, call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or call 911.
• Do not sit on the cabinets housing electrical equipment.
• When getting ready to dig, make sure to call 811 — the free "Call Before You Dig" hotline — to avoid potential hazards with striking or digging around underground utilities.
• Plant new trees away from overhead power lines.
• Never climb trees near power lines – even if the power lines are not touching the trees.
• Avoid flying kites, metallic balloons, drones and radio-controlled toys near power lines. If a kite or Mylar balloon drifts near a power line, let it go. Never try to retrieve anything caught in a power line or from a tree located near a power line.
• Do not build playhouses or platforms in trees with nearby power lines.
• Contact PSE if you suspect your meter appears to show signs of Tampering or Diversion.
• Never install hot tubs, swimming or wading pools underneath or near power lines.