Electric Safety and the Family Pets

 Your family pet can turn just about anything it finds into a play or chew toy. Let’s make sure your pets don’t add electrical devices to their toy chest.

A frisky dog or curious cat can cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have thought about. Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity offers this safety checklist to help keep your pet safe:

  1. Keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don’t chew on them and receive a severe shock. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can paint it with a bitter tasting polish or wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.
  2. Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies and kittens.
  3. Keep halogen lamps away from play areas for pets and children. Some halogen bulbs can reach very high temperatures, and knocked over during play, could easily start a fire.
  4. Keep appliances near sinks and bathtubs a safe distance away from the water source. Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation.
  5. Discourage cats and dogs from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment. Pets need to be kept away from all electrical connections. And don’t forget to secure those wonderful seasonal decorations.

For more electrical safety information, visit the “other links” page or www.SafeElectricity.org for more safety information.

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