Electricity is so much a part of our daily lives it is easy to forget it can be dangerous — even deadly. Similar to lightning, electricity always seeks a path to the ground. If any part of your body comes in contact with an energized object, like a power line or faulty cord, you become part of that path.

Kenergy urges you to follow these safety rules and to warn others, especially children, about the dangers of carelessness around electricity:

• Consider all power lines dangerous.
• Look up.  Know where power lines are located where you live, work and play.
• When carrying pool skimmers, extended power saws or extension ladders in the yard, carry them horizontally when possible.  Before going vertical, make sure you know where power lines are located.
• If power lines are underground, simply dial 811, which is a statewide service that locates and marks all underground utility lines.
• Report to Kenergy any potential power line hazards, including trees growing into lines.
• Never touch a person or object that is in contact with a power line.
• Never touch, kick, pull or attempt to move a fallen or dangling power line. Notify Kenergy immediately and keep others away from the line.
• When working outside, stay clear of overhead power lines or exposed wires. Keep at least 20 feet between you and any power lines at all times.
• Check all extension and appliance cords frequently to be sure they are not worn or frayed.
• When purchasing electrical appliances or equipment, always look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval and make sure it applies to the entire appliance, not just the plug or cord.
• Never run electrical cords through a doorway or under carpet. Do not drape cords over heaters, pipes or metal objects.
• Be sure tools and appliances are properly grounded. A three-prong plug used in a two-wire receptacle must have an adapter.
• Install a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops and outside outlets.
• Handling electric appliances and tools improperly can cause a fire. Do not let the cord overheat. If it feels extremely warm, discontinue use.
• To prevent overheating, use extension cords large enough to carry the amount of current needed to operate the appliance.
• If you have small children, childproof your home by installing plastic protective caps over electrical outlets.
• Protect your computer and other sensitive electronic equipment from fluctuations in voltage by installing protection devices. These range from low-cost voltage regulators to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices.
• Fly kites in an open field away from power lines. Do not use wire or wet string on the kite and never attempt to remove a kite or any object that is resting on a power line.
• Never pull a plug from an electrical outlet by the cord. Grasp the plug itself and pull it straight out.
• Don’t climb trees that have branches touching a power line.
• Water conducts electricity. Be careful when using electrical appliances near water.