Electricity is an indispensable power source that we often take for granted. However, in the case of weather or other emergencies, construction, or tampering, certain dangers may arise. The following tips will help ensure your safety when dealing with such situations.
Fallen Wires
During storms, wind and trees can damage utility equipment. If you see downed electrical wires, stay away and warn others. Call BGE immediately and a crew will be dispatched to fix the problem. If a wire falls across your car while you are inside, do not get out of the car until emergency help arrives.
Working Near Power Lines
The law requires that before anyone begins work that may bring people, equipment, or other objects within 10 feet of overhead power lines, they must notify BGE. Arrangements must be made in advance to protect you against the danger of accidental contact with wires or electrical equipment. For your safety, avoid overhead wires when placing or moving ladders or other metal objects. In addition, do not erect antennas near power lines.
Tampering
Theft of gas or electricity is dangerous and a crime. Tampering with utility lines or meters or installing illegal connections creates dangerous conditions for building occupants and neighbors.
If you know of or suspect any gas or electric thefts, call our BGE Energy Theft Hotline at 1-800-417-0294. You do not have to give your name - all information will be kept confidential.
A $90 fee will be charged where tampering is confirmed. Customers will also be responsible for the service used and the cost of repairs when the tampering causes damage to BGE property.
If utility equipment has been tampered with or if utility service is unsafe, it may be disconnected without notice.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
When a fuse blows or a circuit breaker is tripped, disconnect the appliances that stopped working when the power went out. Replace a blown fuse with a new one of the proper size and amperage. Do not replace a fuse with one of a larger size. This may cause a fire in your house wiring.
When a circuit breaker trips, you will find one breaker switch is out of line with the others. To reset the breaker, flip it all the way off and then flip it back in line with the other breaker switches.
If the fuse continues to blow or a breaker keeps tripping, call a qualified electrician immediately.
Electrical Surges
By its very nature, electricity is unpredictable. Electrical disturbances, known as surges, have a number of causes such as lightning, falling tree limbs, solar and wind storms, and vehicles hitting utility poles.
Most of the time, surges are harmless. Occasionally, a surge can cause damage to electrical equipment in your home, especially sensitive equipment such as VCRs, stereos, TVs, and computers. BGE recommends using good-quality surge protection equipment for all sensitive electronic equipment, or consider getting whole house protection to safeguard all of your equipment.
