Ladders, regardless of what they're made of, can become electrified if brought into contact with electric wires. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity. Bear that in mind and use extra caution when you or your contractor are installing siding or painting, cleaning gutters or have other reason to use a ladder while working outside around your home.

Treat all downed, hanging or burning wires as though they are "live" (energized) and stay away from them. Be especially attentive to children who might be outdoors if fallen wires are in the neighborhood. Report any downed, hanging or burning wires to CL&P or the police or fire department. If you happen to be in a vehicle and wires are on or near it, stay in your vehicle and tell others not to touch it. They should call CL&P or 911.

Whether you are a contractor working on a site or a homeowner working around your own home, please note: digging can be dangerous if you don't check first for underground wiring or cable. Underground wires could be power, telephone or cable television. Or, there could be other underground utilities such as natural gas lines, water or sewers.

Never dig around your home or business without first calling to check for underground wiring or cable.

In Connecticut, call this toll-free number for "Call Before You Dig" (CBYD), 1-800-922-4455, or visit the Call Before You Dig Web site. This statewide clearinghouse will contact member utilities to come to the site and mark underground utilities. In most of CL&P's service territory, we've contracted with a company called On Target Locating Services. They will respond to calls made to CBYD for marking CL&P underground lines. Connecticut law requires you to call at least two full working days, excluding weekends and holidays, before digging.

Electric wires may be concealed in the trees or shrubs you want to trim. Before you trim trees or shrubs, inspect the area carefully to ensure that it's clear of wires.

Never let children climb utility poles, towers, padmounted transformers or trees near power lines.

If you buy a generator, you may need a town permit or official inspection for it. Also, make sure a licensed electrician installs it. The generator must be connected to your home's wiring through a special transfer switch to be sure electricity produced by the generator does not back-feed into our electric lines, which endangers the lives of workers making repairs. Moreover, proper installation will prevent a house fire.

Exhaust from a portable generator contains carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages, basements or porches. Always run the generator outdoors as far from the house as possible, and away from doors, windows and air-intake vents.
 

Watch for power lines when sailing or bringing your boat ashore. Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer so you can avoid contact with power lines along the road.

Don't use outdoor power tools - electric drill, hedge clipper, sander, electric mower - in the rain or while working with or on wet surfaces. Consider installing a ground fault circuit interrupter on outside outlets.

Never construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. That goes for the tail, too; it should be made only of dry string or cloth. Always keep your kite away from electric power lines and choose a clear, dry day for kite flying. If your kite should get snagged in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don't try to free it yourself. Call CL&P at 1-800-286-2000 (947-2000 in Hartford/Meriden.)

Be sure all electrical equipment for your swimming pool is grounded properly. If you're installing a pool, have it inspected by your town's electrical inspector when the job is completed. A ground fault circuit interrupter should be installed on your pool's electrical equipment. If a fault occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the power, preventing a serious electric shock. Do not have any plug-in appliances near the pool.

Before you work on a rooftop television or citizen's band radio antenna, be sure the area is clear of power lines. Install antennas where they won't touch or fall on electric lines.

Maintain a ten-foot clearance and call CL&P to deenergize the lines before operating cranes in proximity to power lines or equipment. Call us for help at 1-800-286-2000 (860-947-2000 in Hartford/Meriden).