NEWARK, N.J., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In the United States, on average 400 people die from electrocution and 4,400 are injured each year. Most of these deaths and injuries can be prevented. May is National Electric Safety Month and Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey's largest utility, takes this opportunity to remind customers of a dozen ways to avoid electrical safety hazards.

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    1. Never handle electric appliances with wet hands: Electricity and water
       don't mix. Do not handle electric appliances with wet or damp hands, and
       never use electric appliances in wet or damp conditions unless the
       appliances are specifically rated for this use.

    2. Secure electric sockets around toddlers and babies: Toddlers can easily
       insert objects into electric outlets that are not covered properly. All
       outlets within reach should be protected with plastic closures that fit
       snugly and cannot be removed easily.

    3. Eliminate defective or worn electric wires: Inspect all appliances and
       extension cords regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.
       Cords should not be loose or frayed and should have a grounding prong
       intact if so equipped.

    4. Never pour water on an electric fire: Water acts as a conductor and can
       cause shock. You must use a fire extinguisher that is rated as Class C
       for use on electric fires.

    5. Leave wiring to the professionals: Proper electric wiring for any
       building is critical and must meet codes and standards of safety. Employ
       the services of a licensed professional who can do the job safely and
       correctly.

    6. Watch for overheating bulbs and lights: Lights and bulbs can be sources
       of heat and must be kept away from flammable materials, including
       upholstery, drapes, lampshades, bedding and cribs. Never exceed the
       maximum wattage specified for the device. Consider replacing bulbs with a
       lower wattage bulb.

    7. Never work on electric equipment with the power on: When doing work on
       electric equipment, ensure that all sources of electricity to the
       appliance are turned off. When working on or near outlets, overhead
       lights, or cutting into drywall, be sure to shut off the correct breaker.
       A simple voltage tester can be purchased for home use at a local
       electrical supply store. Making contact with household currents can
       result in death or severe burns.

    8. Don't misuse extension cords: Never use extension cords as a permanent
       substitute for additional outlets. Also, never overload extension cords.
       Discard them if they have worn out wires or loose connections.

    9. Check for covered cords and wires: Electric wires and cords radiate heat.
       Never cover wires with rugs or furniture. They could overheat and start a
       fire.

    10. Protect electric outlets close to sources of water: Electric outlets in
        bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and garages should be ground fault
        circuit interrupting (GFCI) outlets to reduce the chance of electric
        shock. GFCI outlets are required around pools and spas. Arc fault
        circuit interrupters (AFCI), especially in homes with aging wiring
        systems, can also be added to enhance protection from fires.

    11. Keep ladders at least 10 feet from power lines: When working outside of
        your home, always make sure that, if the ladder fell, it would not
        contact any power lines or other electrical equipment.
    12. Never touch a downed power line or go near one: Always assume the power
        line is live. Immediately call PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG (7734) or your
        local utility to report downed wires.

To learn more about potential electrical hazards and how to use electricity safely, contact the Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.

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SOURCE PSE&G