Be careful with those ladders

If you're busy putting up storm windows, cleaning autumn leaves out of gutters, or doing other chores in preparation for winter that require a ladder, don't forget to look up.

Check your dryer vent

The next time you are cleaning out the lint trap on your clothes dryer, go an extra step and check the exhaust hose that blows the hot air outdoors.

Don't shoot!

Many utilities, sometimes even HWE, have a number of outages each year which are caused by people shooting at power equipment like line insulators, utility poles, transmission towers and transformers. In many, if not all, areas, shooting at power facilities is vandalism -- a crime punishable by fines and/or jail sentences.

Flickering lights and hot bulbs may be signs of danger

Just as an ambulance's flashing light alerts you to an emergency, so should a flickering light bulb get your attention, too. Maybe the bulb is simply about to burn out. But sometimes, a flickering bulb is a sign that the light fixture is damaged or the electrical connection is faulty. Do not ignore these signs!

Flooded basement? Don't use those appliances!

Suffering through the affects of flooding or other disasters is unpleasant enough without taking risks with your safety from electrical shock or fire. If you have appliances or equipment that have been exposed to water -- whether it is a clothes dryer in a flooded basement or a fluorescent light that got deluged with rain -- never assume it is safe to use after it has dried.

Inspection time?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), most residential fires are preventable and many electrical fires could be avoided through an electrical inspection. Does your home need an electrical safety inspection?

Make your home safer

Take a few minutes for safety every day. Here are five ways to get you started and make your home electrically safe.

Storm warning! Electrical safety steps you can take

Thunderstorms are dangerous in and of themselves, but they also can cause damage to power lines and facilities that pose hazards you need to be aware of.

What to do if someone receives an electrical shock

What do you do if someone else receives a serious shock from electrical equipment? It depends on the circumstances.

Work safely around power lines

Electricity is just as important on the farm as in the office today but presents more potential hazards for the farmer or rancher than for the computer operator.

Beware of Energy claims

Lean times understandably motivate people to explore money-saving options. At what cost, however, might that pursuit of savings come?