WASHINGTON, D.C. - May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Pepco encourages customers to focus on safety in and around the home.

"This is the time of the year when we are working and playing outdoors, and it's important to know what safety precautions to take when it comes to electricity," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "We want our customers to be informed about electrical safety by offering several suggestions that will help them avoid hazards."

Pepco suggests:  

• Assume all downed wires are energized. If you see a downed wire, stay away and call the Pepco emergency outage number, 1-877-737-2662.
• Before digging, call 811, the national One Call Notification System number, so any utility lines can be marked before construction.
• Know your overhead surroundings before starting a project. When carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, tree saws and pool cleaning equipment, hold them parallel to the ground.  Remember that electricity can move through conductive materials, such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics.
• Stay away from overhead lines. Be watchful when trimming trees or when working near electrical connections to the property.

Find additional information by visiting www.pepco.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PepcoConnect and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Our mobile app is available at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.