Safety - Common Hazards

Stay Safe AND Warm!

Using an electric space heater can be an effective way to keep warm, but it is not without its hazards and costs. Electric space heaters must be used safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nationwide more than 25,000 fires and 300 deaths are caused by the improper use of electric heaters every year. Portable electric heaters that heat by circulating oil or water are the safest because of their lower surface temperature. The following safety precautions will help keep you and your family safe.

Plugging In Safely

The next time you reach for an extension cord, remember this: just because a particular cord is long enough, it’s not necessarily the right one for the job.

Power extension cords aren’t all the same. They are manufactured to be used for different purposes, and to carry varying amounts of electrical current. By basing your choice of extension cord on each task’s requirements, you can greatly reduce the risks of fire, electrical shock, and injury that come with improper use.

Generate Power Safely - and Save a Life (or Two)

If you own an electric generator, either portable or permanently installed, you could save a life by connecting and using it properly. If used incorrectly, these generators can be fatal.

Downed electrical lines following a storm, earthquake, or other such event, will be “live” and may present a danger to utility people and the general public if your generator is connected or is being used incorrectly.

A generator that is connected to your home or business is also connected to the Alameda Municipal Power electrical system. When the lights go out, our crews go out to restore power. If your generator is connected, it could send electricity into our system, or “backfeed.” Our crews won’t know of the danger that is present and could be electrocuted.

State Law requires that you notify AMP if you have or use an electrical generator of any type.

AMP can help you get a design review from our Engineering Section and an inspection and approval from a City Inspector. Call 748-3981 for more.

If you fail to connect your generator properly, it may be severely damaged when normal electric service is restored. You do not need a manual double throw switch or an automatic transfer switch if your generator is connected only to a stand-alone appliance.

Kites, Balloons, and Power Lines Don't Mix

In the past, balloons have caused thousands of dollars of damage when they have contacted power lines. When balloons contact power lines, they short out conductors, causing power outages, voltage fluctuations, and electrical fires. Burning lines can fall and cause death or injury. If an outage does occur, the user, purchaser, seller, and manufacturer of a balloon may have to pay for any damage that results.

Kites and power lines have long been a dangerous combination. Kites should be flown away from television and radio antennae, as well as power lines. Make them only with dry string, paper, and wood. Don't use any metal! Also, they should be flown in dry weather only. Metal and wet string are excellent paths for electricity, and their contact with power lines can be fatal!

The best advice on balloons and kites is the same: keep them away from power lines. If a balloon or kite becomes entangled in a power line, immediately call Alameda Municipal Power on 748-3902; never try to free it yourself.

JUMP START

Renewable Power

Safety - Common Hazards

Stay Safe AND Warm!

Plugging In Safely

Generate Power Safely - and Save a Life (or Two)

Kites, Balloons, and Power Lines Don't Mix