Outdoor Gathering Safety Tips

When hosting gatherings, it’s crucial to keep guests safe from potential electrical hazards. Here are some key recommendations:

• keep guests away from power lines or electrical transformers near your home.
• Stay clear of utility pad-mounted electrical equipment, which serves underground lines and carries high voltages of electricity [[1]]. Never touch, sit on, or place objects on the equipment.
• Use extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use. Inspect them for frays or other damage before using them.

Yardwork Safety

Before starting any digging project, remember to call 811 to locate underground power lines and other utilities.

Downed Power Lines

Staying safe around downed power lines is critical. Assume that any downed line is energized and stay at least 30 feet from it, according to Evergy. Downed lines can be reported online.

water and Electricity Safety

If your celebrations involve water, take extra precautions to prevent electrical accidents:

• Do not spray water on power lines and electrical equipment or structures. A stream of water hitting a power line can create a path for electricity.
• Keep electrical devices away from water.
• Never touch electrical devices when wet.
• Install waterproof covers and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on your outdoor outlets.

Additional Resources

Evergy provides a variety of vital safety information and resources online.

FAQ: Electrical Safety

What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Stay at least 30 feet away and report it to Evergy immediately.

Why is it important to call 811 before digging?

To locate and avoid underground utilities,preventing damage and potential injury.

What are GFCIs and why should I use them?

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are safety devices that protect against electrical shock, especially in wet conditions.