Safety

Electricity is something we all take for granted and would probably find it difficult to live without. We are taught from an early age that electricity can be dangerous, but it’s sometimes easy to forget this, particularly when the hazards it presents are not immediately visible or obvious.

Things to look for:

• a smell of burning from near your electricity meter;
• flashes coming from wires, poles or electricity substations;
• broken or low hanging wires;
• buried cables that have been dug up, even if they don't appear damaged; and
• any machines or equipment that have come into contact with overhead lines or equipment.

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the police. They will contact the electrical distribution company responsible for the network in your area.

What to do if someone is in trouble

• Keep at least five metres away.
• Never assume electrical equipment is dead, particularly fallen or broken wires. Remember, a circuit may be switched back on automatically at any time.
• Never try to resuscitate someone unless they are at least five metres away from the electrical source.

Our safety leaflets have more advice.