Lighting to improve the look and safety of our homes, electric tools to make our outdoor work easier, and power lines to our home, all need to be handled with care.

Have a professional tree cutting service trim branches that might fall on electric wiring.

Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder outside. Keep the ladder at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Never touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed wire. Power lines may be live; stay a safe distance away. Report downed wires to authorities right away.

October is Safety Month at Rankin’s Hardware & Building Supplies. Look for safety tips all month here on PenBay Pilot and on our Facebook page. Source: National Fire Protection Association.