Electric Safety Tips

At First Electric Cooperative, nothing is more important to us than your safety and well-being. Please read through the following precautions and follow them to help keep you, your family and your home safe. 

At home

• Never use electrical appliances close to water. Electricity and water don’t mix.
• Take an electrical tour through your home and search for potential hazards.
• Never put anything into electrical outlets not intended for them.
• Make sure electrical outlets aren’t overloaded.
• Check all electrical and extension cords to make sure they aren’t cracked, frayed or covered by rugs or furniture.
• Use the appropriate wattage light bulb for lighting fixtures.
• Keep electrical appliances away from damp or hot surfaces and make sure they have appropriate air circulation.
• Dim or flickering lights, arcs or sparks, sizzling or buzzing sounds from your electrical systems, odors, hot switch plates, loose plugs and damaged insulation, among other things, are signs of potential hazards and should be examined by a qualified electrician.

Outdoors

• Never use electrically operated power tools in the rain or in wet conditions.
• Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before use for frayed power cords or broken housings or plugs.
• Make sure tools or extension cords are marked for outdoor use.
• Unplug all portable power tools when they are not being used.
• Be careful of overhead wires and power lines. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Stay away from electrical equipment and substations.
• Avoid a downed power line. Call 911 or First Electric at 800-489-7405 immediately.
• Call before you dig so that utilities may be marked. Whether you're a homeowner landscaping your yard or a professional contractor digging utility trenches, remember to call 811 at least two working days before you dig. It's a free service, and it's required by state law.