With autumn yard cleanup and tree trimming chores in full swing, Atlantic City Electric urges customers to remember that electricity is a powerful and potentially deadly force and to take appropriate safety measures.

Avoid power lines when carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding and tree saws. Hold them parallel to the ground and be sure to look up before raising them to check that they're clear of any overhead wires.

Touching a power line with any part of your body or most objects can result in serious injury or death. Electricity can move through conductive materials such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, strings and plastics.

When trimming branches, check for power lines in or near trees before using a ladder or scaffolding. Certain critical clearances are required by law, and a minimum of 10 feet must be maintained when working below or adjacent to power lines.

"Atlantic City Electric is committed to delivering safe and reliable power," said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. "That's why we are asking customers to be mindful of safety practices when working with or around electricity and when using a portable generator."

As the weather gets colder, customers may have the need to use a portable generator from time to time. It is critical that generators are installed and operated safely. Installing and operating a generator in an unsafe manner can cause injury and even death. Please follow the below safety tips for generator use:

• Before installing a portable generator, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only when necessary.

• Run your portable generator outdoors to avoid dangerous exhaust fumes entering your home. A portable generator is an internal combustion engine that exhausts a deadly gas called carbon monoxide or CO.

• Never use a portable generator indoors or in an attached garage. All windows and doors to your home should be closed when the generator is in use.

• For personal safety, make sure the generator is grounded so it does not become electrically charged. Attach a ground wire to the generator to assure proper grounding to avoid possible electrocution.

• Only connect appliances directly to a portable generator. Do not connect the generator directly to the wiring system in your home or other building through outlets or your meter. This may damage your home's wiring system or back feed electricity endangering utility workers repairing downed power lines. It also can cause any downed lines to re-energize becoming a safety hazard.

• Do not run the generator in the rain or snow. If inclement weather, run it in a shed, under an overhang or a portable shelter that's not connected to your home.

• Do not add gasoline to a generator while it is on and running. Always shut off the generator and let it cool down before refilling it. Use fresh gasoline when possible. Have a charged fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.

• Check cords that are to be plugged into the generator for frays and exposed wires.

• Purchase the portable generator from an established dealer who can provide service and maintenance if needed.

• Be sure the generator you have selected has ample capacity to supply the lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect. Consult an electrician for assistance if needed.

• Transfer switches should be installed by a qualified electrician and the installation must be in compliance with all local and national codes.

• Always store the generator in a dry, clean area that is easy to get to. 

For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acelecconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.