The Issue:
Voltage Leakage or Stray Voltage is responsible for the injuries and deaths of numerous dogs and at least one human being in the New York City and Boston areas. It is a significant hidden danger on streets, sidewalks, and in parks. Because liquids cause current leakage, the risk is heightened in wet conditions, such as rain, snow, air and ground moisture, and puddles. This also includes your pet's urine stream. However, it should be known that it is a constant threat regardless!
What is Stray Voltage?
It is a leakage of electricity that occurs when a conductible path diverts the flow of the current.
What Causes Stray Voltage?
Faults in electrical equipment, especially wiring, due to the following: Various naturally occurring conditions, including cracked insulation, frost heaving, heat expansion and contraction, and age. Various man-made conditions, including vandalism, tampering (especially by people stealing power), workers' negligence, and lack of or improper inspections.
Effects of Electrocution:
Electricity attacks the nervous system which controls the body's vital signs. As the current flows along the walls of blood vessels, it stimulate the nerves, cutting off circulation so that tissues start dying.
Safety Measures:
- - Avoid walking on or near: manhole covers, metal grates, lamp posts, traffic light posts, phone booths, fire hydrants, etc.
- - Your dog: do not let it do its business or sniff on or near metal objects, do not let it walk through puddles or on wet surfaces, do not use a metal leash
- - Do not place metal against objects (i.e. locking your bike to a metal post)
- - Check out a map of "hotspots" on www.infrashock.com
- - Do not touch a victim or energy source during or after a shock occurs.
Emergency:
- Call 911, then
- In New York City call ConEd 800-752-6633
- In Boston call NStar 617-424-2000
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