Be Safe

Every year, hundreds of Americans are accidentally electrocuted, and hundreds more are killed by the more than 100,000 house fires that occur due to electrical malfunction.

At Bluebonnet, nothing is more important to us than your safety and well-being. Please read through the following precautions, and follow them to help keep you, your family and your home safe.

Safe Inside

Electricity and water don’t mix. Never use electrical appliances close to water.
Take an electrical tour throughout your home, searching for potential hazards. Many hazards are easily identified and corrected.
Never put anything into electrical outlets not intended for them.
Make sure electrical outlets aren’t overloaded.
Check all electrical and extension cords to make sure they aren’t cracked, frayed, or covered by rugs or furniture.
Use the appropriate wattage light bulb for lighting fixtures.
Keep electrical appliances away from damp or hot surfaces, and make sure they have appropriate air circulation.
Dim or flickering lights, arcs or sparks, sizzling or buzzing sounds from your electrical systems, odors, hot switch plates, loose plugs and damaged insulation, among other things, are signs of potential hazards and should be examined by a qualified electrician.

Safe Outside

Electricity and water don’t mix. Never use electrical appliances close to water, and never use electrically operated power tools in the rain or in wet conditions.
Electric-powered lawnmowers shouldn’t be used when grass is wet.
Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before use for frayed power cords, or broken housings or plugs.
When using tools or extension cords outdoors, make sure they are marked for outdoor use.
Unplug all portable power tools when they’re not being used. Don’t leave power tools unattended, even briefly.
Metal ladders conduct electricity. Be careful of overhead wires and power lines.
Stay away from electrical equipment and substations.
If you see a downed power line, stay away from it, then call 9-1-1.
Power Poles - Contact Bluebonnet at 800-949-4414 if you become aware of a fallen or leaning power pole.

Safe Winter

Have your heating system inspected by a qualified service professional once a year. This inspection should include cleaning and lubrication, replacing filters, checking belts and thermostats, and clearing vents of obstructions, as necessary.
Make sure window air-conditioning units don’t let cold air in through or around sides, top or bottom. You can buy covers or other easy, economical ways to prevent letting warm air out at your neighborhood hardware store.
Caulk around windows and other openings to stop cold air from coming in and warm air from going out.
Turn off and unplug electric blankets it they’re not in use. Never tuck in electric blankets.
Use products only for their intended purposes. Hair dryers and space heaters, for example, aren’t intended to thaw frozen pipes, dry clothing or warm bedding.
Keep flammable materials, like bedding, clothing, drapes, furniture or rugs, a minimum of three feet from portable electric heaters, even ones with safety features, such as cut-off switches or heating element guards.
Don’t use space heaters where children may be unsupervised.
Turn off and unplug space heaters when they’re not being used.