Safely enjoy your favourite outdoor activities by practicing these safety tips.
Extension cords
- Do not use extension cords that have exposed wires or dry or cracked outer coverings.
- Use extension cords that are large enough for the device you are using—a large appliance needs a large gauge cord. Using too small of a wire for a large appliance can cause the cord to overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.
- If you're using a 20-amp device, make sure the cord is rated for as much current as the device is using. This information is usually found on the tag that comes with the cord.
- Make sure the prongs on the extension cord are clean—not broken or bent—and make good contact with the outlet. Use a grounded outlet whenever possible and avoid use of adapters.
- Keep outdoor electrical connections above ground and out of puddles and snow.
More ways to stay safe around electricity while outdoors
Because propane is odourless and colourless, a strong, distinct rotten egg smell is added so it can be detected in the event of a leak.
- Consider low-voltage lighting as a safer alternative (i.e. mini-lights or LED lights) for your outdoor decorative lighting. Better yet, save power and use solar lighting units for patios, steps and garden areas.
- Do not use electrical appliances in wet areas—even wet grass can create a hazard. Be careful using cords around pools, ponds or damp areas. If you must use electrical appliances in these locations, be sure to use only GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected outlets or extension cords that have the GFCI built into the cord.
- Keep tools and large objects like ladders and pool skimmers well away from any power lines. Touching or even going near a power line with one of these items can be fatal.
- Contact Sask 1st Call before you dig. If you're digging on your property for any reason—fence posts, decks, foundations, trenches or landscaping—have someone come out to locate SaskPower-owned underground power lines on your property, free of charge.
- Do not trim trees that are near or in contact with power lines. Call us at 1-888-757-6937 to report the situation or submit an online tree-trimming request and we'll visit your home or property to safely trim trees near power lines.
- Do not fly kites around power lines. Avoid the risk of sustaining electrical shock should you make contact with a power line while holding onto a kite.
