Can you imagine what your life would be like without electricity?  No telephone, television, computers, tools or appliances that we have all come to rely on to make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Take a few minutes to review some basic electrical safety tips so you can keep on enjoying the many benefits electricity brings to your daily life.

General
Do not work with, handle or repair any of the cooperatives electrical equipment.

Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line.  If you see a downed power line or pole, call the utility that services the area immediately.

Make sure all new appliances or power equipment carry the Underwriters Laboratories or other certified laboratory approval.  The UL seal should apply to the entire product, not just the cord or plug.

Never run electric cords under something or through a doorway.  Check cords often for fraying and signs of wear and replace them immediately if damaged.  Do not repair or patch frayed cord.

Ground all tools and appliances properly.  If you use a three-prong plug in a two wire socket, be sure to use a properly grounded adapter.

Have electrical equipment and appliances repaired by a qualified repair person.

Because water conducts electricity, do not use appliances or power tools while your hands are damp or while standing in or near water.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) can prevent many electrocutions. They should be used in areas where water and electric may come into contact.  A qualified electrician can provide more information on this type of device.

Report power lines, poles, substation, security lights, meters and transformer vandalism immediately.

Protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with high quality surge suppressors.

Around The House
Wall sockets--Take a good look around your home today.  Check your electric plugs. Are they loose in the wall outlet?  If so, they need to be repaired before they overheat and potentially cause a fire.  A qualified electrician can check your outlet and repair it for you.

Light-- Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for your light fixtures and lamps.  Bulbs which are not proper wattage can overheat causing a fire.  Replace light bulbs when they burn out.  Never leave an empty socket!

Outlet protectors--When small children and pets are present in a home, or visit frequently, it is wise to keep outlets covered with plastic covers.  These prevent children from accidentally sticking something in the outlet and suffering a shock.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers--Fuses and circuit breakers should be the correct size for the circuit.  Always replace fuses with another correct size fuse for the circuit.

Bathroom safety--Use extra caution when using appliances near water.  Hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors, radios and television sets should be kept away from the sink and tub.  If an appliance falls into the water, unplug it first.  NEVER reach into water to retrieve an appliance without unplugging it first.

Kitchen safety--Never stick a metal object such as a knife into a toaster to retrieve a piece of toast without unplugging it first.  Keep kitchen appliances away from the sink.  If a toaster, radio or other appliance does fall into a sink with water in it, unplug the appliance before retrieving it.

Space heaters--Exercise extreme caution when using space heaters.  Make sure they are three or four feet away from any flammable object.  Do not place near drapes or furniture.  The space heater should have a three-prong grounded plug and be used in a three-hole outlet.  Turn off a space heater when your leave the room or go to bed at night.

Electric blankets--Check your blanket for broken or frayed cords.  Also, do not tuck an electric blanket in at the sides of the bed as this can break the internal heating coils, potentially causing a fire.  It is a good idea to warm the bed with an electric blanket and then turn it off once you are ready to go to sleep.  An electric blanket, even on a low setting, can cause burns.

Outdoor Safety
Irrigation pipes, Augers, Booms--Look up and be safe.  Use extreme caution around overhead power lines when working with or moving irrigation pipe or equipment that sticks up in the air. When moving equipment use a well planned route away from overhead power lines.  Remind those who work for you to keep an eye on the sky for overhead power lines when working with irrigation pipe or boom type equipment.

Kids and kites--Make sure kids fly their kites in open fields, far away from power lines.  Always use cloth string.  If a kite becomes entangled, do not try to retrieve it yourself.  Call the utility servicing the area in which the kite is entangled.  It is a good idea to accompany children when the spring breezes blow and the urge to fly kites is strong.  Parents will feel better knowing their children are being supervised and safe.

Hay stacks--Do not stack hay or store equipment under utility power lines.  Arcing or sparks from power line equipment can create a potential fire hazard.  The people working on top the hay stack are exposed to the power lines and can be electrocuted if they come into contact with them.  Conveyor belt  can also come into contact with power lines as they are being moved around,  The hay stack or equipment also interfere with utility worker who may have to work on the line.

Outdoor Electrical Products
Electric mowers, trimmers and other power and garden tools should be plugged in and turned on only when in use. Never leave unattended outdoors.

Always use safety goggles and safety gear suggested in the manuals accompanying the tool you are using.
Keep cords out of your path to avoid cutting them.  Carrying the cord over your shoulder may help.

Avoid using around water or on wet days.  If an electrical product falls into a pool or other water source, unplug it before retrieving.

Store outdoor electrical equipment in a dry location.

Thunderstorms
Every year over 90 people are killed and 300 more injured in the United States as a result of lightning strikes.  A few simple precaution could save you from becoming another statistic.

When planning outdoor events, check the weather forecast to avoid getting caught in a storm. If threatening weather sets in such as darkening skies, thunderheads and increased winds, seek shelter in a building or an all-metal car.

If you are caught outside, DO NOT stand under a large tree, utility pole or any other tall object on the landscape.  Avoid hilltops.

In the forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.  In open areas, go to a low place.

Stay away from open water, tractors and other metal farm equipment.  Avoid metal fences and clotheslines.

If out in the open in a group, people should spread out several yards apart.

If you are on a level field far from shelter and feel your hair standing on end, lightening may be ready to strike you.  Drop to your knees, bend forward and put your hands on your knees.  Do not lie flat on the ground.

At home, stay away from water.  Do not take a shower or bath.  Unplug appliances.  Use the telephone only in an emergency.

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