Electricity combined with water poses an extreme hazard. Radios, phones, hair dryers and all other electrical items should be located where they cannot accidentally come into contact with water.
Lightning often strikes water. Do not play or work in or near water during a storm. Do not touch anything metal. If you are caught outdoors, do not stay on a ridge or hilltop. Take shelter in a vehicle with windows and doors closed. If no vehicle is available, move downhill to a lower area with no water. Do not stand under a tree or anything else that is tall. Whether indoors or outdoors, wait until the storm is over to use cellular or landline phones, electrical handheld tools or appliances. Turn off computers and unplug them from the wall outlet.
Keep electrical cords out of the reach of babies and toddlers, and use safety plugs in all receptacles when not in use. Do not cover cords with rugs, as this can cause overheating. Inspect cords and plug-ins for damage regularly. Verify that no electricity is flowing through a connection before performing electrical work, and secure the breaker box so that it cannot be turned on until the job is complete.
Wear protective gear when working around electricity. Keep at least 10 feet between you and overhead wires. Do not carry anything in such a position that it could make contact. Do not drive underneath a low electrical wire that may not have adequate space for the vehicle or equipment to pass without touching the wire. Current can flow through a human even if a vehicle has rubber tires. Use equipment that sparks, such as a welder, only in a well-ventilated area away from flammables.
Do not attempt to rescue anyone until you assess the situation. A downed wire is often still live and can kill you if you touch it, anything with which the wire is in contact or a person whose body is in contact with an object that is touching the wire. Do not try to move the person or wire. In household or workplace situations, shut off electricity if the location of the breaker box is known. Unplug the cord if you can safely do so. All persons who have been exposed to electrical shock, arc flash or blast should be examined by a doctor.