Electricity, when not handled safely, can be fatal. Electricity always seeks a path to the ground, using a conductor. If you touch a live wire while you are grounded, your body will act as a conductor allowing the electricity to pass through you to the ground, giving you an electric shock. The strength of the shock and the extent of the injuries sustained vary. An electrical shock can burn, cut, cause internal bleeding, or kill. Practice safety first.

Inside:

Don't use an electrical appliance around water or with wet hands.

Never put anything other than the correct plug into an electrical outlet.

Keep your cords in good shape and discard them if they are frayed or worn.

Keep cords away from water and heat.

Cover unused outlets with safety covers.

Eliminate octopus connections.

When changing a fuse, turn off the breaker.

Only use the correct size fuse.

Make sure all appliances have an approved label by an authorized agency, like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Disconnect appliances before cleaning.

Don't use water to put out an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda.

Outside:

Always exercise extreme caution when you are working or playing near power lines. A line flowing less than 750 volts is capable of injuring or killing someone who touches or comes too close to it.

When you are carrying long tools or ladders, or are operating equipment of some height, be careful to avoid all contact with overhead lines.

If you do strike a power line, remain on the equipment because getting off creates a path to the ground, which could be fatal.

Don't touch a person who has been struck by a power line or the equipment they are on, while the victim is still in contact with the live power line.

Never climb a fence protecting electrical equipment to retrieve something that has gone over.

Never fly a kite near overhead power lines. Touching an overhead wire with any part of a kite could cause injury or death.

Never touch wires that may have come down. They may be live.

Remain in your vehicle if a wire falls on it while you are in it. The car and the ground around it may be electrified.

Stay in your vehicle during a storm. If struck by lightning or a fallen power line, your rubber tires will stop the flow of electricity.

If caught outside during an electrical storm, stay away from open areas and trees. Never swim during an electrical storm. Water is an excellent conductor for electricity.