Adult Safety

Haywood EMC is here to provide affordable, reliable, safe services and open communications.

	Each year, electricity-related incidents in the home cause approximately 300 electrocution deaths, 1,200 shock and burn injuries, and 150,000 fires. Haywood EMC wants to help protect our members from injury by electricity. Below are some electrical safety tips to follow.

Outdoor Electrical Safety
Keep power saw, drill, and trimmer cords where they can't be cut. Keep ladders and other long tools at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines when carrying them. If you have underground power lines before digging or moving earth in any way, call NC One Call Center, 811, to locate all your underground utility lines or call Haywood EMC and we will locate your power lines for you. If you see a fallen power line, stay far away from it. The line may be dangerous, even if it's not sparking. Notify Haywood EMC immediately.
Indoor Electrical Safety
Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlets in your bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks, and outdoors. They cut power in time to prevent serious shock. Never overload electrical outlets - it's a fire hazzard. Keep fire extinguishers - rated for electrical fires - in your house. Always unplug an appliance before cleaning it. It can shock you even if it's turned off. Keep hairdryers, curling irons, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, and other appliances away from water in the bathroom. Extension cords are only intended for temporary use. Never put them under rugs or furniture, as they can overheat or become damaged.