A new year is a chance for a new beginning — a time when people oftentimes make resolutions. For many, these resolutions involve diet and exercise, financial and/or career goals, or new hobbies. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions that some may overlook in everyday life. Start the year with safety in mind, and do your best to keep these resolutions throughout the year.
Stop driving distracted
In the U.S., nine people are killed each day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. When you drive, just drive. Distracted driving not only puts you and other drivers at risk, but it also endangers roadside crews, bikers and pedestrians.
Test GFCI outlets
In the bathroom, kitchen and anywhere an outlet is located near a water source, check the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) once a month to make sure they are in good working order. The fast-acting circuit breaker shuts off the power in case of a wiring or ground fault issue.
Call 811 prior to any digging project
To help stay safe and prevent accidents, call 811 before you dig to get underground utilities marked. Once marked, respect the boundaries and dig carefully. Keep at least 2 feet away from the utility line markings. Stop work immediately if contact is made with an underground line. Call 911 to notify emergency personnel and the affected utility. Do not resume work until the area has been confirmed safe by your electric utility.
Look up and look out for power lines
Always look up and look out for overhead power lines. If you or an object you are touching contacts or gets too close to a power line, you could be seriously injured or killed. Regardless of the task, always keep a 10-foot minimum clearance between you or an object you are holding and an overhead line, including the drop-down service line.
Check the weather
From 2006 through 2021, 446 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths happened while people were enjoying outdoor leisure activities. Lightning often strikes away from heavy rain; it can happen up to 10 miles away from rainfall. To prevent lightning-related tragedies, follow the general rule — when thunder roars, go indoors.
Incorporating safety into your New Year’s resolutions is a meaningful way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Simple yet impactful commitments can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and hazards. For more information about safety around electricity, go to SafeElectricity.org.
