PSE&G Reminds Customers to be Safe Around Electricity and Gas

NEWARK, N.J., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G is reminding customers and families to review the basics for keeping safe around electricity and gas. While working around the home or enjoying the summer's warm weather outside, it's important to play it safe.

WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE

• Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines when using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment. Even wooden ladders can conduct electricity.

• Do not trim tree branches if a power line runs through them.

• Never build a swimming pool, shed or any other structure beneath a power line or anywhere on a utility right-of-way.

• Water and electricity never mix. Keep power tools and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and garden or water hoses.

• Never touch electrical toys, appliances or tools while you are wet or standing in water. Energy flows easily through puddles as well as pools.

• Never operate electric trimmers, mowers or power tools on or near wet grass or shrubs or with wet hands. Always use heavy-duty, ground extension cords.

• Make sure appliances near sources of water are plugged into outlets with a "ground fault interrupter," or GFI outlet.

• Only buy appliances, wire and electrical supplies that have a certification label from a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).

• Use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use.

• Use caution when painting or working in areas near the electric service entrance cable to your home.

SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN

• Never climb trees that are near power lines. Contact with power lines can cause serious and even fatal injuries.

• Keep kits, model planes and balloons away from power lines.

• Never operate radios, hair dryers or other electric devices near bath tubs or swimming pools.

• Never play near "Danger High Voltage" signs. Never climb a utility pole or play on or around electrical equipment.

• Do not hang on gas pipes in the basement. Pipes can become loose, permitting gas to escape.

• Natural gas leaks smell like rotten eggs. If you smell gas, get out of the house immediately and report the problem to a responsible adult.

TIPS FOR THE FAMILY

• Do not yank electrical cords from the wall. Pulling on a cord can damage an appliance, the plug, or the outlet.

• Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords.

• Do not overload circuits.

• Have an electrician look at your wiring to ensure that it's up-to-date and safe.

IF THERE'S A STORM

• Stay away from fallen power lines. Electricity may still be running through them.

• Do not approach a vehicle if a power line has fallen on it.

HELP US KEEP OUR EMPLOYEES SAFE

• Restrain your dogs when our employees are on your property.

• Keep stairways and areas around our meters and appliances free of clutter.

• Many of our vehicles make frequent stops, so leave extra room between vehicles.

• When driving around our job sites, be alert, follow caution devices, and drive slowly.

To report a gas leak or a power outage, call PSE&G 24 hours a day at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population.  PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability.  PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

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SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G)