The Pacific Gas & Electric Company wants consumers to know that electricity and natural gas can be dangerous if not used safely and properly. They urge customers to follow certain safety tips during the summer starting with inside the home.

PG&E reminds consumers to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries every six months. Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded or frayed. It's not a good idea to place extension cords under rugs or carpets because they may become overheated and cause a fire. Also, make sure the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.

Since many more activities are happening outdoors, PG&E recommends several safety tips for outside the home.

With sprinklers in action and splashing from the pool, homeowners should consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters in areas that can get wet, such as the kitchen, bathrooms or outdoors.

Toys that get tangled in power lines can start fires and cause power outages, so keep kites, balloons, model airplanes and other toys away from power lines in the yard. If something does get caught in the power lines, leave it there and call PG&E at 1.800.743.5000 to have it safely removed.

Be aware of the location of power lines especially when using long-handled clippers or other tools for the yard, pool or home maintenance, since contact with a power line can cause serious injury or death. Power lines that are near tree limbs and branches need special attention. It's dangerous to climb or trim trees near power lines. State and federal law require only qualified line clearance workers to trim trees within 10 feet of most power lines, so make sure to call PG&E before trimming vegetation around aerial power lines.

If gardening, landscaping, installing a sprinkler system or building a fence is on the summer to-do list, make sure to be aware of underground utilities. PG&E asks customers to "Call Before You Dig" by phoning Underground Service Alert at 1.800.642.2444 at least two working days in advance so any underground utilities can be located and marked before digging begins.

Utility lines for electric, gas, water, sewer, telephone and other utilities are located beneath most city streets and sometimes branch out across residential property to serve other homes and businesses. Digging into one of these lines may cause injuries and disrupt vital utility services to thousands of customers.

If there is a swimming pool or spa in the backyard, PG&E reminds customers never to use extension cords nearby since they may cause electrocution if they're plugged in and get wet.

The swimming pool is one of the biggest safety concerns for homeowners especially during summer months. Research from the Home Safety Council shows that drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death and the second leading cause of home injury-related death for children.

Since many drowning deaths at home are related to swimming pools, the Home Safety Council urges homeowners to practicing basic safety precautions in and around pools and spas at home to avoid injuries and safely enjoy poolside gatherings.

"If parents can keep in mind just one thing, it would be the need for constant supervision around any body of water," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "What many people don't realize is that drowning occurs suddenly and silently."

As families enjoy hot summer days in the pool, the Home Safety Council recommends the following basic safety steps.

* Practice constant adult supervision at all times when children are around any body of water. Adults must stay within an arm's reach of young children when they are near water. Older children should not be left in charge of younger children in the pool area.

* Assign specific adults to keep an eye on the pool at all times. During a pool party, formally assign adults to pool supervision shifts to ensure the children are watched closely throughout the party.

* Install four-sided fencing that isolates the pool and spa from the home. Four-sided pool fencing is proven to be an effective drowning prevention intervention. Pool fencing should be at least five feet high and have self-locking and self-closing gates. Position gate latches out of the reach of young children and never prop the gate open or disable the latch.

* Clear debris, clutter and pool toys from the pool deck and adjoining pathways to prevent slips and falls.

* Keep a cordless, water-resistant telephone in the pool area and post emergency numbers near the pool area.

* Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.

* Never swim alone. Even experienced swimmers and adults should always swim with a buddy.

* Learn and practice lifesaving techniques, including first aid and CPR. Require that anyone who cares for your children learn CPR.

* Keep poolside rescue equipment close to the pool area.

The Home Safety Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping prevent unintentional injuries in the home. For more information visit www.homesafetycouncil.org. For more information about safe practices involving electricity and natural gas visit PG&E's website at www.pge.com.