Safety

Powell Valley Electric Co-op offers these tips to keep you and your family safe:

To help keep you and your family safe, follow these important tips:

  • Stay Away from Damaged Power Lines Keep yourself, your family, and pets away from downed power lines and any electrical equipment they may be in contact with, such as cars, trees, fences, or clotheslines.
  • Avoid Flying Objects Near Power Lines Never climb trees, fly kites, remote-controlled airplanes, drones, or release balloons near power lines. If something gets caught on a power line, call 911 or your local co-op immediately, and stay away from it.
  • Use Ladders Safely When using ladders or installing items like antennas or gutters, always keep a safe distance from overhead power lines.
  • If a Power Line Falls on Your Car Stay inside your vehicle. Call 911 and your local co-op. If you must exit, jump free of the vehicle, making sure your body clears it before touching the ground. Once clear, shuffle away with small steps, keeping both feet on the ground, until you’re at least 50 feet away.
  • Hire a Licensed Electrician Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work to ensure safety and proper installation.
  • Use GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, as water and electricity don’t mix.
  • Check for Damaged Cords and Appliances Regularly inspect cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for damage. Discontinue use of any damaged items, and have them repaired or replaced.
  • Avoid Overloading Outlets Never plug too many devices or appliances into a single outlet.
  • Never Run Extension Cords Under Rugs Keep extension cords out of pathways where they could be damaged or create tripping hazards.
  • Follow Bulb Wattage Guidelines Always adhere to recommended wattage when replacing light bulbs.
  • Test Smoke Alarms Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
  • Handle Electrical Fires Safely Never use water on an electrical fire. Instead, use an approved fire extinguisher.

Generator Safety Tips

  • Ventilate Your Generator Properly Always place your generator in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from your home or garage, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install CO detectors in your home and test them regularly.
  • Standby GeneratorsStandby generators are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. Make sure they have an approved transfer safety switch to prevent back feeding into the electrical grid, which can be dangerous for line workers and anyone near downed power lines.
  • Portable Generators Portable generators should not be plugged directly into the home. Instead, power only essential appliances directly from the generator. To avoid back feed, never connect the generator to your home's electrical system.

For more safety tips, visit everydaysafe.org.

Suggested safety tips

  • Avoid Touching Electrical Appliances with Wet Hands Always ensure your hands are dry before using electrical appliances, especially in wet environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
  • Keep Electrical Appliances Away from Water Never use electrical devices near water sources such as sinks, bathtubs, or pools, to prevent electrical shock.
  • Secure Outdoor Cords and Equipment When using extension cords or outdoor equipment, make sure they are rated for outdoor use and are securely fastened to prevent tripping hazards or accidental damage.
  • Protect Children from Electrical Hazards Keep children away from electrical outlets, wires, and electrical appliances. Use outlet covers and safety plugs to prevent accidental contact.
  • Check Your Electrical Panel Regularly Ensure that your electrical panel is easily accessible and properly labeled. If you notice any issues such as sparks, strange smells, or sounds, immediately contact a professional.
  • Educate Family Members on Safety Ensure all household members, including children, are educated about electrical safety—such as not touching exposed wires, knowing what to do in the case of an electrical emergency, and how to use appliances safely.