NEWARK, N.J., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- June is National Safety Month and a good time to review the basics for keeping safe around electric and gas. PSE&G is reminding its customers to use caution when making home improvements and enjoying summer's warm weather. When doing work outside your home: * Be aware of where your electric lines are located, and keep a safe distance when using or carrying a ladder. Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from power lines, and be especially careful with those made of metal. * Consider hiring a professional contractor for the job if you plan to put up or repair a TV or radio antenna. They can be dangerous to handle. * Don't trim tree branches if a power line runs through them. * Never operate electric trimmers, mowers, or power tools on or near wet grass or shrubs, or with wet hands. Always use heavy-duty, grounded extension cords. * Call before you dig. You can easily damage underground gas and electric lines if you don't know where they are. Worse, you can seriously injure yourself or others. Call 1-800-272-1000 at least 3 days before the start of your project. Utility workers will visit your work site and place markers where utility lines are buried, free of charge. Not only is this a good idea, it's the law. Teach your children to play it safe. Remind them to: * Keep kites and balloons away from electrical wires. Since overhead power lines are not insulated, they could become a path for electricity. * Make sure not to climb trees that are near electric lines, utility poles or towers. * Get out of the pool and off the beach during a lightning storm. Water and electricity don't mix. * Be aware of natural gas. A leak will smell like rotten eggs. If they smell it, they should get out of the house right away and find an adult who can call 9-1-1 and/or the gas company. Finally, stay away from downed wires and don't approach a vehicle if a power line has fallen on it. Touching it could turn a rescuer into a victim. Those trapped in a car should remain inside. The rubber tires will keep them safe until PSE&G is able to shut power to the area. Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three- quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne National Achievement Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (http://www.pseg.com/). DATASOURCE: PSE&G CONTACT: Jenn Connell, +1-973-430-7734, for PSE&G Web site: http://www.pseg.com/

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