Delmarva Power Asks Everyone to Review Electrical Safety Practices

NEWARK , Del. - May is National Electrical Safety Month and Delmarva Power is reminding everyone to review home, school and workplace electrical safety practices.

Electric shocks kill nearly 400 people and injure thousands nationally each year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI.org). Increasing electrical safety awareness, following electrical safety guidelines, and using tools and technology designed to address electrical hazards are all components of a safety program that can be used in your home, school or office. Wiring hazards are both a major cause of electrocutions and home fires, killing hundreds and injuring thousands each year. Contact with power lines and major appliances as well as the misuse of surge suppressors, power strips and extension cords also contribute to serious accidents and injuries.

"While electrical safety is a year-round commitment, everyone should set time aside this month and review the potential hazards among family members and loved ones," said Glenn Moore, Vice President, Delmarva Power Region. Moore said people working outdoors should know where electrical wires and equipment are located and how to work safely around electricity.

Additionally, people should call 8-1-1 before they begin digging to build fences or decks, for example, to ensure there is no buried utility equipment near their project. This will help avoid injuries and equipment damage. Visit www.Call811.com for more information.

Here are some additional electrical safety tips from Delmarva Power:

• If you see a downed wire, stay away! Call Delmarva Power at 1-800-898-8042 (New Castle County, Del., and Cecil and Harford counties, Md.).
• Remind children to stay away from electric facilities such as substations, transmission towers and green electrical metal boxes that are commonly found in neighborhoods.
• When carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, tree saws and pool cleaning equipment, hold them parallel to the ground. Look up before you raise them to be sure they're clear of any electric, cable television or telephone lines.
• Remember that electricity can move through conductive materials, such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics.
• Be careful to stay away from overhead lines when trimming trees or when working near your property's electrical connection.

For more information on using electricity safely, visit www.delmarva.com.

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Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe and reliable energy to nearly 500,000 electric delivery customers in Delaware and Maryland and over 121,000 natural gas delivery customers in northern Delaware .