Skip to main content
  • Board Meeting Information

Home
  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search
Menu

Search form

The Best Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

10/29/2021

The Best Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

 

Electricity is one of the most dangerous hazards in your home, especially if you have pets. Pets, like children, are unaware of the dangers posed by plugs, wires, and electrical devices in the home. Because pets are naturally curious, they may begin to play with or chew on your electrical items, posing a fire or shock that could result in injury. Fortunately, there are simple and preventive measures you can take to safeguard your pets.

 

Tips for keeping your pets safe from electrical hazards

 

  1. Keep power cables secure and hidden

Electrical wires, particularly those dangling from the edge of tables or countertops, are a serious hazard to pets who like to play with or chew on them. Playing with or chewing on a wire can result in shock, burns, injuries from a falling object or electrocution. Avoid trouble by keeping electrical wires out of their reach and hidden. If you can't cover wires well enough, use plastic tubing designed for concealing wires.

 

  1. Never leave electrical appliances unattended

When lamps, fans, makeup mirrors, irons, or heaters are not in use, it is simple to forget to switch them off. Leaving them connected to the power source, on the other hand, can be hazardous to your pet, especially if you are not at home. 

Turning off or unplugging appliances keeps you safe while also saving you money on the cost of unused electricity or having to replace damaged appliances. Lighter-weight flat-screen TVs should be securely mounted to the walls or a sturdy base to avoid tipping over. Curious cats love to get on counters, tables and shelves where electronics can be knocked off.

 

  1. Set boundaries for your pet

This recommendation is primarily for pets with free access to your home. Teaching them to avoid certain areas will improve safety. As a deterrent, you can keep cats and dogs away from your electrical items by treating the area with bitter spray. Most dogs and cats have a negative reaction to the taste or smell. Keeping cats off counters is a little trickier while you’re away. If you have a way to close off certain rooms to avoid curiosity, this may be a good precautionary measure.

 

  1. Electricity and water should always be avoided

Because electricity and water don't mix, it's a good idea to avoid placing electrical items anywhere near bathtubs, sinks, or other areas where water is routinely used. Always provide fresh water for your pets to reduce the risk of them seeking water elsewhere in the house.

 

  1. Ensure your yard is secure and properly fenced

Pets love to play outside, which can be hazardous if precautions aren’t taken. Fencing the yard properly keeps them away from dangerous outdoor electrical items such as landscape lights, holiday string lights, underground wires and HVAC system wiring. Don’t leave radios, fans and other electrical equipment outside or unattended. 

If you have outdoor outlets, have waterproof covers installed and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed, which automatically cut power when a plugged item comes in contact with water or begins to “leak” electricity. 

 

Carefully managing your home and looking at your current electrical set-up through the eyes of your curious and playful pets greatly reduces the risk of electrical shock or accidents. 

 

___________

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.

 

Contributor:

Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security

Blog Posts

The Benefits of Heat Pumps in Cold Climates

The Benefits of Heat Pumps in Cold Climates

Many people are still learning about the benefits of heat pumps and what they can do. Heat pumps are especially beneficial in cold weather climates. A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system and is installed outside the home. Here are five main types of heat pumps
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Have an Energy Efficient Holiday Season

Have an Energy Efficient Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty costly. Between gifts, decorations, and travel expenses, the bills can start to add up quickly. Luckily, there are ways to have a more energy-efficient holiday season that can save you some money. If your to-do list has you stressed, relax and continue reading to learn simple ways to save this year and beyond. 
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
How to Create an Energy-Efficient Laundry Room

How to Create an Energy-Efficient Laundry Room

No matter how big or small, every laundry room has the potential to use less energy. By increasing your laundry room's energy efficiency, you will see a lower bill and might be able to take advantage of rebates through your electric cooperative or public power district. Read on to learn more.
Lonnie Tucker, Relationship Manager
Read more >
Energy Efficiency for Manufactured Homeowners

Energy Efficiency for Manufactured Homeowners

While most new manufactured homes are more energy efficient than their predecessors, the standard energy code that manufactured homes must meet was put in place in 1994. A more efficient standard goes into effect in May 2023 for all new homes manufactured after May 2023. There are many ways to make your manufactured home more energy efficient. The following tips can help you save money on your utility bills and be more comfortable in your home. 
Read more >
Energy Saving Tips While You're Away on Vacation

Energy Saving Tips While You're Away on Vacation

There’s already a lot of prep work that goes into taking a trip. Between planning, finding a pet sitter and catching a flight on time, you don’t need more complications. So, keep it simple with these five easy steps before heading out the door.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
The Future of Electric vehicles EVs Air, Water, and Land

The Future of EVs: Air, Water, and Land

When it comes to the future of electric vehicles, the sky’s the limit – quite literally. In addition to continued innovation in land-based electric vehicles, we are also seeing an increase in interest and investment in air and water-based options. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting developments in each EV category.
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Benefits of Installing an Attic Fan for Summer

Benefits of Installing an Attic Fan for Summer

If you're considering installing an attic fan but aren't sure if it would be a good fit for your house, here are a few points to consider about attic fans, how they function, and how installing one can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Heat Wave

How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Heat Wave

During summer heat waves, air conditioning can be a real lifesaver.  Many homes in cooler climate states aren’t always equipped with air conditioning, so when an unexpected heat wave hits, many residents rely on other ways to stay cool without AC. No matter where you live, it’s important to be prepared for hot summer days with efficient cooling and a plan in place to stay comfortable.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
E-Bike Friendly Trails in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska

E-Bike Friendly Trails in our Member Service Territories

Electric bikes are quickly becoming the fun, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to inner-city commuting-and bike trails! Here's some important information to know before venturing out on your e-bike in our member service areas.
Read more >

Pagination

  • Currently on page   1
  • Page   2
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Page   7
  • Page   8
  • Page   9
  • …
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news
 
 

Quick links

  • About Us
  • Leadership Team
  • Environmental, Social and Governance
  • Beneficial Electrification
  • Financials
  • Media
  • Operations
  • Board Meetings
  • Careers
  • Member Tools
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2023 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search