We depend on electricity and natural gas everyday, but energy can be dangerous in some situations. At PECO, meeting your service needs, keeping the lights on, and safety are our top priorities. We want help you and your family stay safe!
Safety Information for Kids
Electrical Safety
Natural Gas Safety
Before you dig or demolish
PECO Energy's Safety Six: A Guide to Safety Around Power Lines
Here are some safety tips to help you and your family be prepared and to stay safe:
Indoor Safety
Outdoor Safety Tips
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Winter Outage Safety Tips
If possible, always keep these items on hand and easily accessible:
Emergency telephone numbers to report outages or downed power lines:
PECO 1-800-841-4141
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Blankets
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered or wind-up clock
- Cellular or standard non-cordless phone
- Drinking water
If an outage occurs:
Turn off all appliances including your furnace, water heater and water pump.
- Leave on one lamp to know when power has been restored (this way, you can avoid a circuit overload when power is restored.
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed and open them only when necessary. Food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer, if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.
- If the indoor temperature drops to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or below, open your faucets slightly so that they constantly drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- During the day, open your blinds to allow sun to warm the space.
At night, cover your windows with drapes or blankets to minimize heat loss.
If you see a downed power line, immediately call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 and report the location.
- Never approach a downed power line. Always presume it is live and extremely dangerous.
- If you have a fireplace, never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or quicken a fire.
- Always keep a screen around an open flame, and don't close the damper while ashes are still hot.
- Never use a gas range for room heating. This can be dangerous.
Source: ComEd and Edison Electric Institute
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Indoor Safety Tips
To guard against electrical shocks:
- Don't use a plugged-in appliance, like a hair dryer, when standing on a damp floor or in a wet bathtub or shower.
- Never set a radio, telephone or any other electrical appliance on the edge of a tub or sink. If you want music in the bathroom, get a battery-operated radio meant for use near water.
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If a plugged-in appliance does fall into water, don't reach in to get it out. Unplug it first by pulling on the cord, not the plug. If the outlet has a GFCI, it will automatically disconnect the circuit in case of an accident like this.
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If your home has a fuse box or circuit breaker, learn how to replace a blown fuse and reset a tripped breaker. Always keep a supply of extra fuses handy. Never use a penny to override a blown fuse. It can cause serious electrical damage.
- Check your appliances and power tools for the UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) seal, signifying that they've been tested for safety. Be sure to repair or replace any tools that are damaged.
- Don't overload any outlet or circuit in your home.
- Make sure you unplug the toaster before you pry out the toast.
- Keep all electrical cords in good condition. Don't run them under rugs or furniture and never staple or nail them in place.
- Remind children not to put anything into an electrical outlet. Use plastic outlet caps if there are young ones at home.
- If your basement floods, don't enter unless you are sure the water isn't in contact with a source of electricity. Call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before you enter a flooded basement.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in bathroom outlets and other areas where water and electricity might meet.
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Outdoor Safety Tips:
- Never touch anything electrical if you are wet or standing in water.
- If you see a fallen power line, STAY AWAY.
- Never fly kites, model airplanes or balloons near power lines.
- Don't climb power poles or trees near power lines.
- Never touch or go near electrical equipment.
- If you see anything marked "Danger," "High Voltage," or "Keep Out," STAY AWAY!
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Although there may be no problem in your house, you should be alert to the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are malfunctioning heater vents or clogged chimneys. They should be checked occasionally to make sure they are free from obstructions.
- Your heater also releases water vapor that must get out through a vent or chimney. Otherwise, moisture in the chimney can cause gradual erosion of the chimney.
- If you have concerns, get expert advice from your heating service company, or call PECO at 1-800-494-4000.
Before you dig
Be safe and call Pennsylvania One-Call at 1-800-242-1776. Before you dig, you are required by law to call Pennsylvania One Call at 1-800-242-1776. They will help you to locate gas, electric and telephone lines. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or pick can damage power lines -- and injure or kill.