Electrocutions are considered by many to be a step up from electrical shocks; whereas an electrical shock has the potential to kill you depending on the voltage and the duration of the shock, electrocutions usually are fatal. Electrocution accidents can be avoided if you’re careful. Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe.

Lightning:

• More than 1,000 people are struck by lightning in the U.S. every year, and more than 100 die.
• If you’re at home and lightning is nearby, stay inside. Or, you can remain in a car. Avoid using cell phones or house phones.
• If you’re hiking or camping, move away from any ridges, mountain tops, trees and rocks. Never seek shelter in a cave or under a rock or tree. Lightning is more attracted to these tall formations, and they act as conduits for the current. Instead, find the lowest swell or dip in the ground (away from water, of course), and sit on your pack, ropes or anything else you have that is insulated. Do not lie on the ground. You actually want to have as little direct contact with the ground as possible, in case the current runs through the ground.
• Remain in the same spot even if it is hailing or raining.

Downed power lines:

• Remain in your car. You’re safe not because of your tires, but because the current will travel around the car and then into the ground. Do not touch anything in your car, except for your cell phone. Call 911.
• If you have to get out of your car because of a fire or other hazard, jump as far from the car as possible. What is important is that you don’t touch the ground and your car at the same time. Also, don’t run, but shuffle. Try to keep both feet in contact with the ground at the same time.
• When cleaning up your yard, make sure no part of the tree is in contact with a power line. Call a specialist from the power company if your tree is in contact with the line.

Household appliances:

• Do not use small appliances near water, such as hair dryers near sinks, toilets or bathtubs. If you are going to use a hair dryer in the bathroom, drain the sink and the tub and close the lid to the toilet. If an electrical object should fall into water, do not touch it. Find the breaker box in your house and switch off the breakers.
• Only allow an expert to install electrical appliances. Most appliance stores offer this service for free or for a discounted price.