Power Line Safety
Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. We want to help our members stay safe around power lines.
Keep a Safe Distance
Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to get electricity to your home.
Always remember to:
- Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers, and electrical boxes.
- Don’t climb trees near power lines.
- Never fly kites, remote-controlled airplanes, or balloons near power lines.
- If you get something stuck in a power line, call your co-op to get it.
- Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
- Never touch or go near a downed power line.
- Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
- Keep children and pets away.
Power Line Hazards & Cars
If a power line falls on your car, stay inside—this is the safest place to be. Do not touch the car’s metal parts or attempt to exit.
- Warn others: Tell bystanders to stay back and not to touch the car or the power line.
- Call for help: Dial 911 and contact your local electric utility immediately. If you can’t call, ask someone nearby to do so.
When to Exit the Vehicle
The only time you should leave the car is if it catches fire. If you must exit:
- Open the door carefully.
- Do not step out! This could cause a deadly electrical shock.
- Jump clear of the vehicle, keeping both feet together and landing with your feet at the same time.
- Shuffle away at least 50 feet, keeping both feet in contact with the ground to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Never attempt to help someone exit the car if you are standing on the ground. You could be electrocuted.
Remember: In any power line emergency, always assume the line is live and dangerous. Stay put, call for help, and let professionals handle the situation.
Electrical Safety & Generators
Preventing Electrocutions Associated with Portable Generators Plugged Into Household Circuits
Portable Generators
- Power Restoration: When power lines are down, residents can restore energy to their homes or other structures by using a portable generator.
- Safety Precaution: If water has been near electrical circuits and equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel.
- Do not turn the power back on until the electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: If it is necessary to use a portable generator, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications.
- If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.
- Placement of Generator: The generator should always be positioned outside the structure to ensure safety.
Gasoline & Diesel Generators
- Main Breaker Safety: When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building, always switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the “off” position before starting the generator.
- This prevents power lines from being energized by backfeed electrical energy from the generator, protecting workers and people in neighboring buildings from electrocution.
- Risks of Incorrect Setup: If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning off the main breaker or removing the main fuse:
- The electrical current could reverse, energizing power lines or electrical systems in other buildings at their original voltage, potentially without the knowledge of utility workers, leading to dangerous situations.
Effects of Backfeed
The problem of backfeed in electrical energy is a potential risk for electrical energy workers. Electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of all reported occupational deaths. Following the safety guidelines below can reduce this risk.
Other Generator Hazards
Generator use is also a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Generators should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
Electrical Safety Checklist
Electrical safety should be everyone’s priority.
Check everything off this list monthly to make your home as safe as possible for you and your family.
Bathroom
- All electrical appliances are used away from the sink, tub, toilet, and/or shower.
- All appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.
- All appliances are plugged into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
- All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.
- All lighting in your shower area is vapor-tight.
Kitchen
- The back of the refrigerator has room for air circulation and its coils are free of dirt and buildup.
- All electrical appliances are placed and used away from the sink.
- All appliances are plugged into GFCI – protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
- All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way.
- Appliance cords are not hanging from tables or counters and are unplugged when not in use.
Basement
- The circuit breaker box is labeled with the last electrical inspection, correct amperage, and which rooms, outlets, and circuits they service.
- Standard circuit breakers have been inspected, and you’ve considered talking with your licensed electrician about replacing them with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs).
- Washer and dryer do not wobble excessively while running, have room for air circulation, and dryer lint is removed after each use.
- The furnace has been inspected, and cleaned and has proper ventilation outside the house.
- The temperature on the water heater is set to 120 degrees, or less.
Family Room
- All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.
- All light switches and outlet covers are not cracked or broken.
- All electrical equipment (lamps, electronics, etc.) is being used without the use of extension cords.
- All power outlets, power strips, and surge protectors are not overloaded.
- All electronics have room for air circulation.
Bedroom
- All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and are placed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the house.
- All light fixtures throughout the home are using bulbs not exceeding the fixture’s maximum wattage.
- No electrical cords are resting under rugs or furniture.
- Electronic devices such as phone chargers are unplugged when not in use.
- Window unit air conditioners are plugged in on their own dedicated circuit.
Garage
- All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed, or damaged in any way – and are never used on a permanent basis.
- Appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.
- All appliances are plugged into GFCI – protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
- Any garage-stored appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, have dedicated 20 ampers appliance circuits.
- All storage boxes are placed away from wiring and plugs.
Access the Electrical Safety Checklist brochure online on Issuu.