Avoid Power Lines

If you're painting, washing windows or working on the roof and gutters, remember to keep ladders and other equipment — as well as yourself — away from overhead power lines. If you are working anywhere near power lines, be sure to use a wood or fiberglass — not metal — ladder. Do not touch any power line under any circumstances. Also, be aware of overhead power lines when using any long tool such as a pool skimmer.

Be Careful with Electrical Tools

Be careful when working with electrically powered tools such as electric lawn mowers, chain saws and hedge trimmers. Here are some tips:

• To help prevent cutting the cord, drape it back over your shoulder to make sure that it's always behind you.
• Wear sturdy shoes, preferably with rubber soles.
• Don't use electrically powered tools in rainy or wet weather.
• Make sure that your external outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which have their own built-in circuit breakers to protect you from electric shock, or have GFCI protection at the breaker. If you only have a non-GFCI outlet available, you can purchase extension cords with GFCI protection. Inspect electric tools for frayed cords or damaged plugs.
• Use high-quality extension cords rated for outdoor use.

Landscaping Around Utility Equipment

If there's a transformer in your yard — usually a large green box — do not plant shrubs close to it. Jackson EMC workers need space to safely open the transformer to work on it.

Keep electrical lines in mind when choosing plants for your yard. Kittens grow into cats, and that small tree from the nursery can get big in a hurry. If you're planting a tree near a power line, choose a variety that remains lower than the power line once it reaches mature height. There are a number of attractive small trees, including redbuds, "Little Gem" magnolias, various hollies, chastetrees and Japanese maples. If you plant a tree that interferes with power lines, the tree will have to be cut back. The results are not usually very attractive.

Landscaping Can Reduce Energy Costs

This doesn't mean that trees are bad things. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, well-positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of a household's energy use for heating and cooling. Shade trees to the south and west will help reduce cooling costs. Shrubs that shade the walls of your house also help keep it cool, but be sure to have at least a foot of space between the house and shrubs for air circulation. Vines on trellises are a way to get quick shade.

To get more information about suitable small trees and shade trees, see the publications of the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service. You can get publications from your local extension agent or from the extension service's Web site at www.ces.uga.edu.