GrandBridge Energy is reminding families to take extra precautions to ensure this spring break is a safe one, whether spending time outside, indoors, or away on vacation. Safety should always be a top priority, even during March Break!
As kids count down the hours until their break from school and some parents prepare for a vacation, it is essential to stay vigilant and ensure everyone is safe from electrical hazards inside their homes, in neighbourhoods and even while away.
“We want everyone to stay safe while enjoying the March Break,” said Sarah Hughes, President & CEO, GrandBridge Energy. “Safety is one of GrandBridge Energy’s Core Values, and we are reminding families to be aware of potential electrical hazards and take a few simple precautions to enjoy a safe and worry-free break.”
Electrical infrastructure, including overhead powerlines and pad-mounted transformers (green boxes on lawns), can be found in every neighbourhood. This essential equipment is required for GrandBridge Energy to safely deliver reliable electricity to homes and businesses. This equipment should be avoided and never tampered with. You should also be aware that your property and home could pose safety risks if not properly maintained.
Outdoor Electrical Hazards
Transformers and Transformer Stations: Pad-mounted transformers contain high-voltage electrical equipment. For your protection, stay away from pad-mounted transformers and do not tamper with them. These green boxes found on lawns and in parks contain danger labels warning of high voltage equipment inside. GrandBridge Energy also cautions our customers to never dig near a transformer, and keep all shrubs, fences and other permanent structures at least 3 metres from the front and 1.5 metres from the back and sides of a transformer. If a toy ends up inside a fenced-in transformer station, contact us – do not try to retrieve it yourself.
Powerlines: Keep away from overhead powerlines and always obey the safety signs. Never fly kites in a place where you can see powerlines or climb trees near powerlines. If you see a downed powerline stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a school bus), call 911 and contact GrandBridge Energy at 1-833-769-3701.
Personal Outdoor Electrical Equipment: Ensure that your outdoor lighting, power tools and extension cords are the proper standard for outdoor use. Any damaged or improperly used equipment could cause serious harm.
Indoor Electrical Hazards
Cords and Plugs: Replace any cords that are frayed or damaged. Extension cords should only be used temporarily as they are prone to damage, which can lead to a shock or even a fire. Use extension cords only when necessary and keep all cords away from heat and water.
Use special, heavy-duty extension cords for high-wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters, and freezers and never cover any part of an extension cord with newspapers, clothing, rugs, or any objects while the cord is in use. Don’t overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw more power than the cord’s rating.
Electrical Outlets: Install child safety outlets, tamper resistant (TR) receptacles, which have special shutters that cover plug slots and prevent little fingers or objects from entering the outlet and coming into contact with electricity. Contact a qualified electrician to replace receptacles that feel hot, emit smoke or sparks, have loose-fitting plugs, or where plugged-in lamps flicker or fail to light. Make sure all electrical outlets are three-hole, grounded outlets to prevent electrical shock. If there is water in the area, there should be a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlet.
Lighting: Use the proper wattage light bulbs in light fixtures and lamps and keep flammables away from light bulbs. Turn off light switches or outlets if they feel warm to the touch, unplug them, and have a qualified electrician check the wiring immediately.
To raise awareness about safety, GrandBridge Energy sponsors electrical safety presentations at elementary schools in our service territory. Visit our website grandbridgeenergy.com to learn more about our safety programming and to utilize our free resources including colouring sheets, and Lucky the Squirrel safety videos. Additional information is also available on the Electrical Safety Authority website.
