Safety Tips

Learn These Safety Tips and Stay Safe in Your Home

 While electricity makes living easier and more enjoyable, you could be living with dangerous electrical hazards. Remember these simple safety tips before you begin a project or start that spring-cleaning. 

Tips for Around the House

  • Have a qualified electrical contractor inspect your home to be sure it is properly grounded. Large appliances should have their own circuit and be grounded with a three-pronged plug. 
  • Never stand in water or on a damp floor when using electrical appliances and don't put any electrical parts in water. 
  • Do not touch or lean on plumbing at the same time that you are using electric appliances. 
  • Do not place your swimming pool under power lines. 
  • Keep appliances in good condition. 
  • Always unplug appliances - by pulling the plug, not the cord - when not in use. 
  • Replace the appliance when a cord is worn or frayed. Remember, extension cords should be used temporarily. 
  • Do not perform amateur repairs on your appliances. Call a qualified technician. Never insert metal objects like knives or forks into your toaster. 
  • If power shuts off in your home, try to find the cause. It may be that you have a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. When resetting circuit breakers, don't stand on a damp floor. 
  • Never replace fuses with a copper penny or wrap one in aluminum foil. 
  • Call a qualified electrician for inspection if power does not resume. 
  • When using power tools, be sure your equipment is adequate for the job. There must be enough circuits of the correct size and all must be well grounded. 
  • Use the safety release to prevent accidental starting. 
  • Keep tools clean. Use and store them in a dry place. Dampness increases shock hazard. 
  • Protect cords from heat, chemicals, gases, or oil and coil them loosely when finished. 

Stay safe during a power outage!

Power outages are the result of a variety of causes—anything from traffic accidents and wildlife interference to severe weather. At the Weatherford Electric Department, the safety of our crews and customers is our utmost concern. Follow these tips to stay safe during power outages: 

  • Call 9-1-1 if you have a medical emergency or your life is at risk during a power outage. Do not wait for your power to be turned back on. 
  • If you loose power at your home call 817-598-4257 OPTION 4 to report it immediately.* 
  • Avoid downed power lines. Stay indoors if at all possible during a storm to avoid downed power lines. You must stay at least 35 feet away from any downed lines. If you believe there is a downed power line near your home or business, call 817-598-4257 OPTION 4 to report it immediately. Or place a service request using the MyWeatherford 3-1-1 free mobile app. You can download the MyWeatherford app on the Apple App Store here or the Google Play Store Here. 
  • Be aware that limbs, fences, hoses, playsets and other structures near you can become energized by a downed power line. 
  • Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns during an outage. Candles and kerosene lanterns are not recommended for lighting because of fire risks and fume hazards. 
  • Follow safety precautions with portable emergency generators. Portable generators may be used to provide limited electrical power during an outage, but take care to ensure that they do not pose a threat to you and your family. Gas-powered generators pose serious fire and carbon monoxide threats. 
  • Never fuel or run a portable generator inside the home, place of business or garage. 
  • Make sure the generator is equipped with a double-throw transfer switch that protects your equipment and prevents feedback on power lines. 
  • Always operate generators according to the manufacturer's instructions and ensure installation meets proper electrical requirements. 
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage. Home refrigerators can keep food cold enough for a day or two without power, if the doors are kept closed. As a rule of thumb, 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer at the proper temperature (32 degrees F) for three to four days. When in doubt, throw it out. Read the USDA guidelines for keeping food safe during outages. 
  • Turn off major appliances. When major appliances such as air conditioners are left on, they could overload electric lines once power is restored, causing a second outage. Leave just a few light switches on, including one or two exterior lights. Gas appliances may not work if the power is off because the equipment may require electricity for ignition or valve operation. 
  • Do NOT attempt to assist emergency and utility crews. It's dangerous work. Let the pros handle repairs and restoration. 

*If you loose power for a utility bill non-pay (or past due) dial 817.598.4257 OPTION 3.