With warmer weather returning and many people turning their attention to outdoor projects and seasonal home maintenance, it’s critical to keep safety top of mind, especially when working around electricity. In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, Eversource is reminding customers that without proper precautions, contact with electric lines or equipment can be dangerous or even fatal.

“Safety isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are,” said Eversource Vice President of Safety, Training, and Fleet Operations Cliff Williams. “It’s built into every step of our work and every decision we make. Our crews are trained to handle high-risk situations with care and precision, and we want our customers to feel empowered with the same mindset—staying alert, knowing the risks, and taking the right steps to stay safe around electricity.”

National Electrical Safety Month, observed each May, promotes awareness of potential electrical hazards and encourages families, businesses, and communities to take preventive action. While electricity powers daily life, it must be treated with care and respect to avoid injuries, fires, and property damage. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrical failures and malfunctions contribute to thousands of home fires each year. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable with greater awareness and a few simple precautions.

Outdoor safety tips:

• Know where power lines are at all times, assume they are energized, and avoid working near electric lines – staying at least 10 feet away
• Always assume downed power lines are live. Never touch anything in contact with a downed wire
• Stay away from fallen trees that may be entangled with power lines
• If in a car accident involving a downed power line, stay inside until first responders confirm it’s safe to exit
• Always call 811 before digging to mark underground utilities
• Hire qualified professionals for tree trimming or other work that must be conducted near power lines, and ask if workers have been trained in electrical hazard awareness
• Keep balloons, drones, and kites far from power lines
• Store power tools indoors and avoid using them in wet conditions

Indoor safety tips:

• Don’t touch exposed wires or damaged appliances
• Use outlet safety covers to protect children and pets
• Never overload outlets or extension cords
• Replace worn or cracked wires
• Have a fire extinguisher on every floor and never use water on electrical fires
• Install GFCI outlets where moisture is present
• Unplug appliances before cleaning or repairs

Explore more safety tips and visit the ESFI’s Kids’ Corner for fun, age-appropriate learning about electrical safety.