Electric Safety

Electricity makes our lives easier and improves our quality of life. However, power lines that carry that electricity should always be treated with respect. These power lines carry electricity from the generating plants, through substations and over to our homes.

Here are some important things to remember about power line safety:

• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live and life threatening. Be cautious when clearing debris after a storm as power lines may be hidden and tangled in the debris. Stay in the area to prevent anyone from going near the downed power line and call either 911, 601-947-4211 or any Singing River Electric office to report the danger.
• Never drive over a downed line or under a low-hanging line. If a power line hits your car while you are inside it, stay put and call 911. If you must evacuate the vehicle, jump clear of the vehicle and do not touch any of the metal and ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the vehicle keeping both feet on the ground.
• Never climb trees near power lines. Remember: electricity is always looking for the quickest path to ground.
• Never climb power poles or substation fences. A typical overhead distribution power line has 13,200 volts per wire. This can deliver a deadly shock. Substation fences are placed there to keep you out and safe.
• Always keep ladders, antennas, kites, poles, boat masts and farming equipment away from power lines. You could be killed or injured if you are holding or working with any of these items and they come in contact with a power line.

Here are a few tips to stay safe at home:

• Never put fingers or other objects in electric outlets. Cover outlets to keep children away.
• Throw away old or frayed extension cords. They can cause a fire.
• Never crowd electric outlets.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) safety outlets in bathrooms and kitchens. They monitor electric current and trip the circuit, cutting off electricity if there is a loss of current.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water. Water and electricity do not mix.
• Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for the fixture. Improper wattage bulbs can cause an electrical fire.
• Turn off appliances before unplugging them. Pull the plug, not the cord, when unplugging appliances.
• Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
• Never tamper with your electric meter. It is illegal and unsafe.

Here are a few tips to stay safe at home:

• Never put fingers or other objects in electric outlets. Cover outlets to keep children away.
• Throw away old or frayed extension cords. They can cause a fire.
• Never crowd electric outlets.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) safety outlets in bathrooms and kitchens. They monitor electric current and trip the circuit, cutting off electricity if there is a loss of current.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water. Water and electricity do not mix.
• Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for the fixture. Improper wattage bulbs can cause an electrical fire.
• Turn off appliances before unplugging them. Pull the plug, not the cord, when unplugging appliances.
• Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
• Never tamper with your electric meter. It is illegal and unsafe.

Charging a cell phone, flipping a light switch and plugging in a coffee maker are all second nature for most of us. Electricity is something we could not easily live without, however it is also something to be greatly respected. Always be cautious and keep safety in mind.

• NFPA Electrical Fire Safety Tips

Here are top 10 tips to keep in mind about electrical fire safety.

1. Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
2. Shut off electrical equipment that produces odd smells, sounds or sparks. Have the device checked by a qualified technician.
3. If outlets feel warm, discontinue use and contact a qualified or licensed electrician.
4. In homes with small children, make sure to use tamper resistant (TR) receptacles.
5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when plugging an appliance into an outlet.
6. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoor spaces near water.
7. Avoid overloading outlets, multi-plug devices and circuits.
8. Keep and maintain fire extinguishers rated for kitchen and electrical fire applications in your home or business.
9. Read instructions on lamps and use bulbs with the recommended wattage.
10. Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect electrical outlets.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to take electricity for granted. We flip a switch, and our lights come on. But it’s also easy to forget the risks, especially when you can’t see the dangers. Be aware everywhere, and stay safe around electricity. Singing River Electric has many safety programs including employee education, member education and public education.

The “Be Aware. Everywhere.” public education campaign involves other electric cooperatives across the state. It is a safety campaign that runs in local newspapers, TV, radio stations and a website. The ad give simple steps to stay safe around power lines.

Singing River Electric also has an extensive safety education campaign for employees. This involves monthly meetings, an outside and inside employee safety committee, and a safety manual that is strictly followed by employees and management.

Singing River Electric is committed to the cooperative fifth principle of Education, Training and Information. It has an overarching goal to keep members safe at all times. Trained staff and linemen put into action SRE’s member education campaign by visiting with more than 8,000 children and adults each year. Our Safety City Demonstration is effective in showing the dangers of contact with electricity at home, at work and play. With a small amount of electric current flowing through the display, spectators can see just how important it is to look up and live. Sparks fly from the miniature farm tools, ladders and vehicles as they come in contact with the power line. Spectators are amazed and quickly learn to respect electricity and what to do in an emergency situation. SRE members can email our safety coordinator, Jason Havard at havard@singingriver.com to schedule a “Safety City” presentation.