Safety - My Electric Cooperative

Hidden Dangers

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Hidden Dangers

Learn More

Be aware everywhere and you’ll stay safe —

at home, at work, & on the go.

Power Line Safety
Home & DIY Safety
Work Truck Safety
Severe Weather Safety

Water Safety
Seasonal Safety
Hunting Safety
Cooper’s Kids Corner

Meet the Cooperative Gang

These characters are excited to walk you through the steps of staying safe when working with or around electricity in your everyday life.

Cooper the owl

Rae the armadillo

Ty the beaver

Ivy the fox

Learn about Each Character

Cooper the owl

Main storyteller
Wise and experienced
Wears glasses
Spots dangers everywhere

Rae the armadillo

Digs underground
Warns about dangers below ground
Curls up when frightened

Ty the beaver

Expert swimmer
Knows water safety
Warns of danger by slapping tail

Ivy the fox

Smart and proper
Teaches hunting and seasonal safety
Shows feelings through body movements
Makes special sounds to warn of danger

See Their Instructional Videos

Above or Below

Some power lines are easy to see. Others are completely hidden from view. Visible or not, power lines can be energized and dangerous, so take a few minutes to learn the dos and don’ts of power line safety.

Working Overhead

Downed Power Lines

Underground Power Lines

Safety Tips for

Home, sweet home

Homes run on electricity. Naturally, that means electrical risks are always present. Understanding basic electrical safety principles and safe DIY practices can help you prevent electrocution and fires in that special place you call home.

Did you know?

Around the House

Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on every light fixture.
Conduct a basic assessment of your home’s electrical system, including electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs and outlets.
Look for telltale signs of electrical problems, such as dim and flickering lights, unusual sizzling and buzzing sounds from your electrical system, and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a qualified electrician immediately.
Use extension cords only temporarily, and never with space heaters or air conditioners.
Avoid overloading outlets. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician as needed.
Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
Test smoke detectors monthly to ensure that they are working properly.

Type C Fire Extinguisher info

The best way to protect your family and your home against the risk of electrical fires or electrocution is to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home. Content obtained from Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Learn more at www.electrical-safety.org.

Use the right type of fire extinguisher when fighting electrical fires, a Type C extinguisher.

In both commercial and residential buildings, different classes of fire are encountered and each requires specific knowledge on how it started and how to properly go about putting it out. Class C fires burn combustibles, but are distinct because they involve electrical components or equipment with the potential to be energized.

What Happens when Electrical Equipment is Energized?

Generally it is not dangerous to energize electrical components, gadgets, devices and equipment. They do not present a hazard unless they are handled incorrectly or have the potential to alter into something that presents a danger.

When a fire starts from a short circuit or another type of electrical problem, and the source of energy is still live, the situation is highly dangerous and a class C fire can typically occur. Note that this type of fire is designated as class E in the Australian standards.

Some Examples of Potential Sources of Class C Fires Include:

Overloaded electrical outlets
Incorrectly wired plugs, outlets and switches
Short-circuits

If the flames have been designated as class C, the electrical supply needs to be identified and cut off. Electricity, when flowing freely, can serve as a constant source of ignition, allowing the combustibles to continue burning. All of the other elements of the fire tetrahedron are also present – oxygen, chemical reaction and fuel. In the case of class C, the electricity provides the ignition or spark.

Fighting Class C Fires

The most important thing to remember is that a class C fire cannot be fought with water; you must use non-conductive substances. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and those loaded with a dry chemical like PKP, are effective.

Conductive substances such as water or foam can put the fire fighter at risk. When the source of electricity has not been cut off and water is sprayed into the flames, it can cause those electrical charges to spread and potentially create electrocution. If the electricity finds a path from the flames, through the water, to the fire fighter’s body, and into the ground, serious injury usually occurs; in fact, that kind of charge can be fatal.

Firefighting Equipment

The first step in fighting class C fires is to cut off the source of power, basically transforming the flames into a standard class A fire. Standard fire extinguishing methods can then be used to douse the flames.

Most often firefighters wear footwear with rubber soles (approved footwear often has the Omega symbol). Such boots cut off the path of electricity, protecting the wearer from electrocution even if conductive materials are in the air, such as water or foam.

Protecting your Home Against Class C Flames

It is important that your home’s wiring is installed and updated according to current building codes in order to prevent short circuits and overloads. Keep your pets and young children away from electrical equipment in order to protect them and reduce the risk of accidents that may cause a fire. Do not use damaged cords and plugs.

Class C fires occur quickly and must be put out with equal speed. Knowing the proper way to fight this type of fire is important – it can save lives.

Source: Fire Extinguisher 101

Hauling loads? Look up!

If you’re driving a log truck, dump truck or any other truck hauling a tall load, be extremely cautious around power lines. Remember, look up and be safe!

Work Truck Safety

Stay Prepared,

STAY STORM SAFE!

Here in the South, severe weather can strike almost anytime and bring electrical hazards that you may not be aware of. Know how to protect against power surges, what to do during and after storms and how to use generators safely.

Protect Against Power Surges

Downed Power Lines

During the Storm

Don’t try to outrun a storm. Instead, seek shelter in a house or other permanent enclosed space.
Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead of candles, which can start a fire.
During storms with lightning, stay off corded phones and plugged-in electronics. Avoid plumbing and water, including bathing or doing laundry.
If you’re advised to switch off the main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the main breaker.

Using Generators

Never connect generators to your home’s wiring. This can energize power lines, which could endanger workers and you.
Connect generators through a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician, and connect appliances directly to the generator.
Avoid dangerous exhaust fumes by operating your generator outdoors — never in a garage, storage room or near your open window. Always read the instructions first.
Be sure the generator you have selected has ample capacity to supply the lighting, appliance and equipment you plan to connect.
Do not operate your generator while standing in wet conditions. This could cause an electrical shock.
Do not attempt to fill your generator’s tank while it is operating. Gasoline may ignite.
Do not tamper with the engine’s speed adjustment. This could cause a fire.
Keep a charged fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.

In Case of Flooding

Water and fun go together.

Water and electricity don’t mix.

Electricity is probably the last thing you think of when you take a swim or dip your toes in the water by a pier, but it should be one of the first things you think of. Learn how to be safe around pools, piers, and docks, so your water time will be the fun time it should be.

Boating

Avoid contact with overhead power lines. Check clearance before raising or lowering your mast or spar.
When determining overhead clearances, be sure to take the tide into consideration. Clearances may be adequate for your boat at low tide, but not at high tide.
Make sure to keep all drying sails and sheet lines from blowing into power lines.
To be safe, maintain a clearance of at least 45 feet from the top of your boat and power lines.
When fishing onboard, make sure to check for overhead power lines before casting your line.
As you boat, be aware of signs indicating underwater gas and electric utility lines. Do not anchor your boat near underwater cables or pipelines.
Minimize electrocution from the onboard AC electrical system by ensuring the boat is properly wired by a professional marine electrician and is inspected periodically for damage or deterioration.

Swimming Pools

All outdoor receptacles should be covered to keep them dry. This is especially important around pools, spas and other summer water activities.
Make sure all electrical equipment used for swimming pools (even the cleaning equipment) is grounded.
Electrical devices and cords should be at least 10 feet away from pools.
When possible, use battery-operated electrical devices outside.
Never handle electrical devices when you are wet — either from water activities or from perspiration.
Make sure there are no power lines over a swimming pool.
Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
To avoid electric shock drowning, have an electrician inspect and upgrade your pool, spa or hot tub in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code® (NEC).

Outdoor Play

Fly kites in open fields, away from electrical wires.
Do not use wire, metal or wet string on a kite. If your kite catches on a wire or on a high pole, don’t try to remove it. Call your local electric cooperative.
Don’t fly a kite in wet or stormy weather.
Do not play around power lines or climb trees near them.
Go inside right away if you hear thunder or see lightning. Do not take shelter under trees.

Enjoy the four seasons of electrical safety.

Space Heaters

Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test them once a month.
Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.

Heating Pads / Electric Blankets

Inspect for dark, charred or frayed spots. Replace any worn or old heating pad or electric blanket.
Never fold electric blankets when in use. Folded or tucked-in blankets could overheat and cause a fire.
Do not allow anything, including other blankets or pets, on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use to avoid overheating.
Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.

During the Holidays

Outdoor Play

Fly kites in open fields, away from electrical wires.
Do not use wire, metal or wet string on a kite. If your kite catches on a wire or on a high pole, don’t try to remove it. Call your local electric cooperative.
Don’t fly a kite in wet or stormy weather.
Do not play around power lines or climb trees near them.
Go inside right away if you hear thunder or see lightning. Do not take shelter under trees.

Outdoor Work

Ladders that come into contact with a power line, even those made of wood, can prove fatal.
Keep all ladders at least 20 feet away from overhead power lines. Carry them horizontally.
Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use.
Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items.
Water and electricity do not mix. Avoid damp conditions, including wet grass, when using electricity.

Trees and Safety

Look up! If you see a wire in the area where you want to work, call your electric cooperative.
Don’t build a tree house in trees with power lines in or near them.
Don’t prune a limb that is near or touching a wire. Tree limbs contain water and can conduct electricity. If possible, hire a professional.
Although the service wire running from the transformer to your house is usually insulated, never consider it safe to work around. The insulation can be worn, creating a hazard.

Boating

Avoid contact with overhead power lines. Check clearance before raising or lowering your mast or spar.
When determining overhead clearances, be sure to take the tide into consideration. Clearances may be adequate for your boat at low tide, but not at high tide.
Make sure to keep all drying sails and sheet lines from blowing into power lines.
To be safe, maintain a clearance of at least 45 feet from the top of your boat and power lines.
When fishing onboard, make sure to check for overhead power lines before casting your line.
As you boat, be aware of signs indicating underwater gas and electric utility lines. Do not anchor your boat near underwater cables or pipelines.
Minimize electrocution from the onboard AC electrical system by ensuring the boat is properly wired by a professional marine electrician and is inspected periodically for damage or deterioration.

Swimming Pools

All outdoor receptacles should be covered to keep them dry. This is especially important around pools, spas and other summer water activities.
Make sure all electrical equipment used for swimming pools (even the cleaning equipment) is grounded.
Electrical devices and cords should be at least 10 feet away from pools.
When possible, use battery-operated electrical devices outside.
Never handle electrical devices when you are wet — either from water activities or from perspiration.
Make sure there are no power lines over a swimming pool.
Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
To avoid electric shock drowning, have an electrician inspect and upgrade your pool, spa or hot tub in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code® (NEC).

AC and Fans

DIY Tips

The Electrical Safety Foundation International strongly recommends hiring a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home. However, if you do decide to do it-yourself, consider the following important safety tips.
Make an effort to learn about your home electrical system so that you can safely navigate and maintain it.
Never attempt a project that is beyond your skill level. Knowing when to call a professional may help prevent electrical fires, injuries and fatalities.
Always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.
Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.
Test the wires before you touch them to make sure that the power has been turned off.
Never touch plumbing or gas pipes when performing a do it yourself electrical project.

Power Tools

Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities.
Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture.
Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) with every power tool to protect against electric shocks.
Do not use power tools with an extension cord that exceeds 100 feet in length.
Never use power tools near live electrical wires or water pipes.
Wear appropriate personal protective gear at all times.

Winter Preparations

Check cold weather tools, such as leaf and snow blowers, along with their power cords, for unusual wear and tear. Repair or replace worn tools or parts right away.
Unplug and safely store battery chargers that won’t be in use again until spring.
Make sure electrical equipment that has been wet is inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.
Keep dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets and power cords.

Going Hunting?

Hunt safely around electricity.

Quite often, hunters encounter something in the woods that they weren’t hunting for – electrical hazards. Whatever your pursuit – deer, turkey, dove, waterfowl, or small game – here are a few tips to help you stay safe while hunting in the great outdoors.

Electrical Safety for Hunters

Stay away from electrical equipment.
Don’t shoot at or near overhead lines or insulators.
Be aware of the location of overhead or buried power lines and other electrical equipment in your hunting area.
Never place deer stands on utility poles
When hunting power line rights-of-way, place shooting houses a safe distance from overhead lines
Attention bowhunters: Be extra cautious in heavily wooded areas where electrical hazards may not be visible.
Never put decoys on overhead lines. And don’t shoot toward overhead lines when doves fly by.

COOPER’S

KIDS CORNER

Whether you’re playing outside, using electrical devices or simply washing your hands, be aware of electrical hazards that may be nearby. Here are some electrical safety tips to help you play safe and stay safe.

Coloring Pages & Activities

Playing Outdoors

Indoor Safety

Holiday Safety

Download Our Free Safety Guides

Your safety is our priority. We’ve prepared these safety tips to help keep you and your family safe around electricity. Download your free safety guides today.