Is there a place in your home or office that looks like the picture above? Is your multistrip, multitasking more than it’s designed for? Does your extension cord have an extension cord plugged into it?

While it may sound like the intro to a “You Might be a Redneck” monologue, unfortunately, the answer is more commonly yes to many of those scenarios.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Cleco is offering tips on how to avoid electrical hazards which can cause fatalities, injuries and property loss.  By taking simple precautions, you can avoid dangerous situations and stay safe, not just in May, but year round.

Tips to keep homes and businesses safe from electrical hazards:

• Have electrical work performed by qualified electricians.
• When a fuse operates or circuit breaker trips, determine the reason before replacing or resetting.
• Avoid placing cords in places where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture, such as under rugs or across doorways.  Cords that are frayed or damaged should be removed and replaced immediately, not spliced or taped.
• Minimize the use of extension cords and never plug two extension cords together.
• Inspect all electrical appliances before using them to ensure they’re properly grounded.
• Remember that water and electricity do not mix.
• Don’t let children climb trees near power lines.
• Avoid overhead and underground power lines when you use a ladder, work on the roof, clean a pool, prune trees or dig in the yard.
• Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with it.  Keep away and call Cleco or 911.

For more safety tips, visit www.cleco.com and follow Cleco on Facebook at @ClecoPower