RCEC

Safety


RCEC Area
Board Districts
Marketing Program
RCEC Employees
Power Suppliers
Rates
Loan Programs
Rebates
Safety
 Irrigation Efficiency
Scholarships
Youth Tour Program
ELECTRICAL SAFETY — INDOORS
Stay out of Electricity’s Path: Electricity takes the easiest path to the ground. If you touch electricity (or something touching the electricity) and the ground at the same time, you become a path. Electricity will flow through you. You could be seriously or fatally injured.
Child Safety - Keep Little Hands out of Trouble!
If small children are in your home, put safety covers on all electrical outlets that are within their reach. Keep appliances and cords up and out of the way.
Electrical Fires - Keep your family Safe!
Keep anything flammable away from light bulbs, heaters, or toasters. Turn off appliances before you leave home. Install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and have a family fire escape plan.
GFCI’s - They can save your life!
Ground fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) shut off power in time to prevent serious shock. Use them in bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks, and outdoors. If your outlet has red and black "test" and "reset" buttons, it has a GFCI. Portable GFCI’s are also available.
Outlets - Don’t overload them!
An overloaded outlet is a fire hazard. If your outlets are overloaded with many appliances, consider having a qualified electrician install additional outlets.
Appliance Cords - Frayed cords are Dangerous!
Cord insulation keeps electricity in the wires, where it belongs. Regularly check appliance power cords and connections for wear; don’t use frayed or cracked cords.
Extension Cords - Practice Extension Cord Safety
Extension cords are for temporary indoor use. Keep them away from moisture, heat or metal pipes. Never put them under rugs because they can become frayed or cracked without your being able to see the damage.
In the Bathroom - Electricity & Water don’t Mix!
Electricity flows easily through water, so keep hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, and other appliances away from sinks, bathtubs and wet hands. Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms.
In the Kitchen - Water and electricity can be Shocking!
Always unplug an appliance before cleaning it. Even if turned off, it can shock you. Use outlets with GFCI’s for appliances near sinks.
Your Backup Generator - Make Sure it’s Safe!
Never operate a home backup generator without a properly installed transfer switch that disconnects it from main power lines. A generator that remains connected to power lines can backfeed power into them, shocking unsuspecting utility workers.
Your Body Can Conduct Electricity!  
The human body is about 70% water, and electricity flows very easily through water. That’s why electricity can use your body as a path to ground.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY — OUTDOORS
If someone is being shocked by electricity:
1. DO NOT touch them or anything they are touching. Do not try to use an object to remove the source of the electricity. You could be seriously or fatally injured.    
2. Turn off the main power to the house 
3. Call 911 or your emergency number to get help
Overhead Power Lines - Keep your Distance!
When carrying and using ladders and other long tools, make sure to keep them at least 10 feet away from all power lines - including the line from the power pole to your home.
High-Voltage Towers - Stay Clear of Them!
Never touch or climb on these towers. Overhead wires and other tower equipment carry very high-voltage electricity.
Tree Safety - Work & play safely around trees!
Contact the cooperative before digging, pruning, trimming or cutting down trees that are near overhead power lines. Don’t let children climb trees that are near power lines.
Underground Power Lines - Call Before You Dig!
If you hit an underground power line you could be seriously or fatally injured. You could also be liable for damages. So before digging or moving earth in any way, call your local electric utility or one-call number to locate underground utilities.
If You Hit a Power Pole - Stay inside the Vehicle and wait for Rescue Workers!
If fire or other danger forces you out, jump clear of any fallen lines without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Take care not to fall back toward the vehicle or lines. Land with your feet together and shuffle a long distance away.
Lightning - If you are Caught in a Lightning Storm - SEEK SHELTER!
Stay away from trees and bodies of water. Seek shelter in a vehicle or house. If you’re caught in the open, drop to your knees and bend forward with your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Pad-Mounted Transformers — Don’t Dig Near them or Pry Open!
These transformers are inside sturdy metal cabinets that are locked for safety. Never sit on or near them. If you find one that’s unlocked, call the cooperative immediately.
Kites & Balloons — Fly them Away from Power Lines!
Kites or balloons that contact power lines can cause shock or fire, so keep them away from overhead power lines.
Substations - Stay Out!
Tell children that if a ball or toy gets into a substation, they should tell an adult and call the power company. Never try to retrieve the toy yourself.
Fallen Power Lines - KEEP AWAY!
If you see a fallen power line, keep your distance. The line can be dangerous, even if it’s not sparking. Report the line to the cooperative immediately.
Power Tools - Select tools Designed for Outdoor Use!
They should have heavier wiring and be double insulated or have three-way grounded plugs. When working outside or near water, be sure to plug tools into a GFCI.
In case of Electrical Fire:
1. Do not use water
2. If possible, unplug the appliance or equipment
3. If the fire is small, use a fire extinguisher made for use with electrical fires. If the fire is not small, leave the house immediately
4. Call 911 or your emergency number to get help.