Electricity is an efficient and helpful servant. Nebraska Public Power District urges you to use it safely. Here are some things to remember when using electricity in your home:

Look for a label from a recognized safety testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) when purchasing electric appliances or tools.

Read safety instructions before operating a new electric appliance.

Keep all equipment clean and in good repair.

Never leave irons or other heating appliances plugged in when not in use.

Never insert metal objects into toasters or electric space heaters.

Unplug appliances before cleaning, removing parts or when they are not in use.

Keep children away from portable space heaters.

Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses indicate overloaded circuits. Have an electrician check wiring and/or add additional circuits.

Do not destroy or bypass safety switches or guards found on power tools.

Never touch an electric appliance when you are in the tub or shower.

If an appliance falls into water, unplug the appliance before retrieving it.

Never submerge electric appliances in water unless the instructions say you can.

Place radios or televisions so they cannot be touched while using water.

Avoid using hair dryers and curling irons near water.