​June is National Safety Month and is the official start of home improvement season

CHICAGO (June 24, 2016) – ComEd is launching a public awareness campaign to warn customers about the dangers of working around overhead power lines, as part of National Safety Month and its ongoing efforts to promote customer safety when working around electrical equipment,

The campaign – entitled "One Line You Should Never Cross," – targets contractors and "do-it-yourselfers" who work on outdoor home improvement projects that may bring them close to overhead power lines.

"At ComEd, the safety of our customers, contractors and employees is our top priority," said Terence R. Donnelly, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for ComEd. "While the majority of home improvement work takes place during the summer months, safety is a year round concern.  We created this campaign to make sure our customers are aware of the risks of working near overhead lines and ensure they take the proper precautions."

The One Line You Should Never Cross campaign will feature digital, radio and billboard content. The ads are scheduled to begin running in late June and will run throughout 2016. Ads will be available in English and Spanish.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are nearly 400 electrocutions in the United States each year.

• Eight percent of consumer product-related electrocutions each year are attributed to electrical accidents with power drills, saws, sanders, hedge trimmers, and other electric power tools.
• Nine percent of consumer product-related electrocutions each year are caused by accidents involving the use of lawn and garden equipment and ladders, which come into contact with overhead power lines.

ComEd reminds its customers that safety in any project, no matter how big or small, is paramount. When working on home improvement projects, ComEd offers the following safety tips:

• Before digging for any project, dial 811 to arrange for any utility lines to be marked.
• Keep ladders and other tools at least 10 feet from overhead power lines.
• Do not climb or trim trees near power lines.
• Keep electric tools and appliances away from wet surfaces including pools and patios.
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous.
• If you encounter a downed power line, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) or access our website at ComEd.com and report the location. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).

For more safety information, visit ComEd.com/safety.