Wiring & Outlet Safety

• Be familiar with fuses and breakers for the circuits in your home. If an electrical device blows a fuse, trips a breaker, releases sparks, sounds or smells like it’s burning, disconnect it immediately. Dispose of the appliance or have it repaired. If you are unsure about any equipment, contact a certified electrician.
• Look for the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL®) mark on all electric products you use. This indicates the product has met strict electrical standards.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed anywhere water is present, including bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, or where easy ground contact can be made, like in garages, basements, and outdoor areas. If you do not have GFCIs installed in these areas, contact a certified electrician.
• Make sure that plugs fit snugly into outlets. Loose-fitting plugs or plugs that do not fit may overheat and cause a fire.
• Do not allow any electrical wiring to be exposed - be sure that all switch and outlet covers fit over the wires.
• Place safety covers in outlets that are not being used and keep cords tucked away so that children do not play with them.
• Refrain from using “cheater plugs,” devices that convert a two-pronged outlet into a three-prong outlet.
• Do not overload any electrical supply, such as an extension cord, power strip or outlet. When cords overheat, they can deteriorate and cause possible shock or fire.
• Do not place devices or their cords near hot surfaces, like stoves or fireplaces.
• When not in use, unplug all non-essential electrical appliances. You not only reduce a safety risk, but you will also save energy and money in the long run!
• Keep lamps at a distance from drapes, curtains, furniture or any flammable item.
• If you have an older home and have not updated your electrical wiring, you may want to have a certified electrician review your home wiring. Today’s electronics and appliances can easily overload an older wiring system.

Extension Cords

• Extension cords are meant to be used temporarily. Avoid using extension cords over extended periods of time.
• Do not connect several extension cords together. This can lead to overheating and sparking.
• Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs. Never remove the third (round or U-shaped) prong, which is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
• Do not put extension cords in places where they may get pinched, such as under doors or windows.
• Try to keep slack on extension cords. Tight cords can strain plugs and receptacles and create loose connections.
• When using extension cords across doorways or heavy traffic areas, make sure they are taped to the floor securely so that you do not trip or fall on them.
• Do not staple or nail extension cords. You might damage the insulation made to protect you and potentially expose a wire that may cause sparking or shocks.
• Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord. Always unplug by firmly grasping the plug.
• Know how many amps your extension cord can handle. If you plug in more than one high-wattage appliance into an extension cord, it may overheat. You can find the amp rating either on the appliance label or in the manual.
• Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors - it could result in an electrical shock or hazard. Extension cords that can be used outdoors will be clearly marked as suitable for outdoor use.
• Use special, heavy-duty extension cords for high-wattage appliances, like air conditioners, portable electric heaters and freezers.
• Don't allow cords to come into contact with oil or other corrosive materials.
• Make sure extension cords are connected to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets whenever using around water.

Overhead Power Line Safety

• When planning summertime activities, like block parties and yard sales, remember not to use utility poles to advertise or decorate for your event.
• Posting signs, hanging banners or tying ribbons and balloons on utility poles can endanger utility workers and often is a violation of local ordinances.
• The safety boots worn by line workers for climbing poles are especially vulnerable to becoming snagged and caught on staples and nails embedded in poles. Foreign objects can also tear utility workers’ clothing or injure workers despite the safety gear they wear to avoid contact with rough surfaces.
• Be cautious around guy wires that support utility poles. Do not let children swing or climb on them and be careful not to run over or into them with yard equipment or vehicles. Report any damaged guy wires to Ameren.
• If you are planning to remove a TV antenna or install a satellite dish on your roof, stay away from the service drop wires or overhead power lines.
• Exercise precautions when using ladders or cleaning near a service drop, where the wiring comes into your home by the meter. The wires are covered with weatherproofing material, not insulation. The material can become brittle or cracked and may expose energized wires.
• Power lines and equipment are not just overhead. Be aware of underground power lines and equipment when digging. Always call 811 before you dig.

Downed Power Line Safety

• If you see downed power lines, stay far away, warn others and call Ameren to report the location.
• Never drive over a downed power line.
• Never touch any electrical power lines. Keep your family and pets away from the lines.
• If a tree or branch falls on an electric line, call Ameren to report the location.
• DO NOT remove a tree limb or other object from a power line. Electricity can travel through objects, especially when they are wet.
• Don't attempt to rescue someone who makes contact with a downed power line - you could become a victim yourself. Call 911.
• Stay away from anything a downed power line comes in contact with, including fences or trees.
• Remember, it's hard to tell the difference between an electric line, a telephone line or a cable line. Treat any line as an energized and dangerous line.

• Never use water on electrical fires, equipment or wires. Because water conducts electricity, dousing water on an electrical fire can cause the fire to intensify.
• If an appliance is on fire, unplug it or cut the power at the control panel if possible.
• If the fire is small, use baking soda or a multipurpose or dry chemical fire extinguisher.
• Always have smoke alarms installed throughout your home. Check and change the batteries regularly.
• Have fire extinguishers handy to put out small fires. Keep in an easy to access spot and away from exits.
• Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
• Above all, keep your personal safety in mind, even during a small fire. Call 911 and get out of the building if the fire cannot be quickly extinguished.

• STAY IN THE VEHICLE if your vehicle hits a utility pole or snags a power line. Do not open the doors or step outside. If you have a cell phone, call 911 or yell for others to get you help, but tell them not to approach you or the vehicle. Wait for emergency and utility crews to arrive on the scene.
• Only in rare cases, like fire or if you see or smell gas, should you try to get out. Look for a safe place and leap clear from the vehicle - never touching the ground and the car at the same time. Then, hop with feet together away from the pole and downed lines to safety. Hop at least 50 feet away, and further if the ground is damp or wet.
• If you come across a vehicle that has hit a utility pole, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE to approach the scene. Power lines could be down. You could walk into an energized path. If you have a cell phone, call 911 for assistance.