Stay Safe Around Electricity
Electricity powers our lives, but it also demands respect. Whether you’re working outside, trimming trees, or using a generator during an outage, safety should always come first.
Power Line Safety
Power lines carry thousands of volts of electricity. Getting too close can cause serious injury or death, even if you never touch the line directly.
Remember these key tips:
- Look up before you lift. Always check for overhead lines before raising ladders, poles, or equipment.
- Keep your distance. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines at all times. Electricity can arc through the air.
- Watch for kites, flying toys, or drones. Always fly them in open areas, far from overhead lines or substations. If something gets caught, don’t try to retrieve it, instead, call your cooperative for help.
- Never climb trees near lines. Even a small branch can conduct electricity if it touches a live wire.
- Downed lines? Stay back. If you see a line on the ground, assume it’s live and stay far away. Call 911 or your cooperative immediately.
Stay Away from Substations & Green Boxes
Substations and green pad-mounted transformers (those big metal boxes you see in neighborhoods) are not play areas. They contain high-voltage equipment that can be deadly if tampered with or climbed on.
Safety reminders:
- Never climb fences or gates around substations.
- Don’t sit, stand, or play on or near green transformer boxes.
- Report open or damaged equipment. If a lock or cover looks loose, stay away and contact your cooperative right away.
- Teach children early. Explain that these are not toys or hiding spots—electricity inside can cause serious injury or death.
If You Hit an Electric Pole
Car accidents involving power poles can be life-threatening, especially if wires fall. Knowing what to do can save your life.
What to do:
- Stay in the vehicle. The safest place is almost always inside your car.
- Call 911 and wait for help. Tell anyone who approaches to stay back—at least 30 feet away.
- If there’s a fire:
- Open the door carefully, but don’t step out normally.
- Jump clear, both feet together, making sure you do not touch the car and the ground at the same time.
- Shuffle away with small steps, keeping both feet on the ground until you’re at least 30 feet away.
Electricity can travel through the ground around the vehicle. Staying calm and following these steps protects you until first responders arrive.
Generator Safety
Portable generators are helpful during outages, but if used incorrectly, they can be deadly. Carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and fire are real risks.
Follow these guidelines:
- Operate outdoors only. Never use a generator in a garage, basement, or enclosed area.
- Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Keep dry and grounded. Use it on a dry surface under an open canopy or tarp—never in the rain.
- Plug safely. and use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. This can cause “backfeed,” sending electricity onto power lines and endangering lineworkers.
- Install a transfer switch. Have a qualified electrician connect your generator safely to your home system.
- Cool before refueling. Turn off the generator and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before adding fuel. Gasoline that spills on hot engine parts can catch fire.
- Store fuel for your generator in an approved safety can. Always use the type of fuel recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions or on the generator’s label.
When in Doubt—Stay Away
If something looks unsafe, it probably is. Electricity is invisible, silent, and powerful—respect it, report hazards, and teach your family how to stay safe.
Report a Hazard
If you see a downed power line or damaged equipment, contact us right away, (478) 374-7001.