| Home
> Aussie
Health > Electrical Shocks: Protect Your Dog
Electrical Shocks: Protect Your Dog
There is a Silent Menace That Threatens Your Dog, You and Your
Family — Electrical Shocks!
How To Protect Yourself, Your Child, Or Pet From A Possible
Shocking Or Electrocution
Blair Sorrel of StreetZaps.com
recently contacted me to let me know about a threat that most
of us may not even realize is all around us. We take
for granted the comforts that electricity provides us without
giving much thought to how that electricity is delivered to every
corner of our lives, how many miles of electrical cables surround
us and how a deteriorating infrastructure can jeopardize our safety
through "electrical leakage".
The following information has been provided by Blair in the hopes
that raising awareness about this issue will help protect you,
your family and your pets from suffering what could be a dangerous
or even fatal electrical shock.
Electrical Shocks: Street Lights
Lamppost poles and their compartments are a possible
source of electrical shock as thieves and vandals can
easily access the electrical connections at their base. Pedestrians
should be aware that an ajar or missing panel or one with a protuberant
plug constitute significant warnings of tampering/risk. When the
photo cell is damaged internally, a lamppost compartment can leak
voltage ... whether or NOT it is illuminated, even when appearing
to be fully intact.
Electrical Shocks: Metal Covers And Plates
Metal on the street or sidewalk can be electrified
if deteriorated or improperly installed. Shoddy construction and
maintenance can cause the building metal access to become energized
if the internal wiring is faulty, poorly maintained, or not in
general compliance with building codes. Renovation and ongoing
construction sites utilizing temporary wiring can create a higher
possibility for a shocking incident.
Electrical Shocks: Other Urban Metal
Ubiquitous metal plates on the streets and sidewalks
with decaying wiring may jolt the passerby. Rampant power pilferage,
vandalism, wayward construction, or vehicular accidents can leave
enlivened areas in their wake.
Electrical Shocks: Outdoor Lights Have Bite
While lovely to look at, decorative lighting may over
time pose a risk to pedestrians and their pets since
its insulation can decay from long-term exposure to temperature
change, weather, and even tropical sun.
While it is complicit that proprietors install only outdoor service
lighting according to manufacturers' instructions, it behooves
businesses to inspect sporadically their lights to determine whether
their wiring has become deteriorated; that replacement lamps are
truly secure in their sockets; and that all sockets, plugs, and
other connectors are sufficiently insulated against immersion
from rain or snow to safeguard against shock hazards to the general
public.
Electrical Shocks: Dog Booties Get The Boot!
Dog booties are NO PROTECTION FROM VOLTAGE LEAKAGE and
can actually INCREASE THE CHANCE OF A SHOCKING if water-logged.
At present, the material they are made from shields against cold,
moisture, and rock salt, but does not insulate against electricity
and when saturated creates an even greater hazard.
A person can complain of leaky boots, a dog can't!
Booties that protect against voltage are still a 'concept' rather
than a practical option. Any 'safe' product will require much
research and development before they can insulate any dog. Even
electrical workers conduct periodic checks of their gloves and
clothing to ensure safety and even more so with dog booties because
the wearer relies on the purchaser's judgment.
Additionally, although some rescuers recommend Musher's Wax,
which is readily available and easy to apply, it will not protect
against contact voltage either.
Electrical Shocks: Common Misconceptions
"I have a female dog."
Wet weather can produce a hazard for any pooch, however, male
dogs may be particularly at risk when they lift their leg to spray
the metal bases of lampposts or other upright electrical street
fixtures creating a ready conduction path for stray current. A
far safer option is always to elude outdoor electrical equipment
including plates and manholes on streets and sidewalks when possible
since if deteriorated all may leak voltage. The greatest risk
to your dog typically occurs when leakage and moisture are concomittant.
"I wear rubber-soled shoes."
All footwear provides some insulation but none guarantees protection;
open-toed shoes and sandals provide the least safety.
Special thanks to Blair Sorrel of StreetZaps.com
who has kindly given us permission to reprint this article here.
For more information on Electrical
Shocks or to
Report a Dangerous Location visit StreetZaps.com
TOP
>>> Return
to Main Health Issues Index
>>> Return
to Home
Bookmark this page and check back with us often.
Look for more great content coming soon!
Thanks for visiting. We hope you enjoy Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com!
Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com
|
