At Central Electric, safety is one of our highest priorities. We’re committed to providing reliable service while helping our members understand how to prevent electrical accidents and stay safe around electricity every day.
Outdoor Safety
- If there is a downed power line nearby, leave the area immediately and notify your cooperative or call 911.
- If others are around, let them know that they need to stay away.
- Teach children to stay away from power lines and substations and make sure they can recognize "Danger-High Voltage" signs.
- Never use electrical equipment near any wet areas, such as pools or ponds.
- Remember, electricity looks for the shortest, most direct path to ground. A ladder, pole or even a wet kite string touching a power line will give electricity a new, shorter path and if you are holding one of these items, you could become a part of that path.
- Call Before You Dig. Dial 811 before starting a digging project, and workers will be sent to your home to mark utility lines in your yard. This service is free, and it has the potential to save your life.
Indoor Safety
- Inspect electrical cords often for broken connectors or fraying. Throw away any worn cords to eliminate the possibility of shock, short circuit or fire.
- Don't overload power outlets.
- The wattage of the bulbs you use in your home should match the wattage indicated on the light fixture. Over-heated fixtures can lead to a fire.
- When trying to unplug something from an outlet, pull on the plug, not the cord.
- Keep in mind that turned off appliances are still connected to electricity until they are unplugged. Always unplug appliances before cleaning or repairing.
- Use extension cords only for short-term purposes, and make sure the cord is adequately suited for the amount of electricity it will be transferring.
- Turn off and unplug all portable electrical appliances, like hairdryers, irons and shavers, when you're finished using them.
- Be familiar with the location of your breaker box and make sure the switches are clearly labeled so you can shut off electricity quickly in the event of an emergency.
- Teach children never to put their fingers in electrical outlets and appliances.
- Keep appliances and cords away from children and use plug covers in outlets.
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)
- All power lines, building wiring, and electric appliances exhibit electric and magnetic fields.
- Electric fields are associated with the voltage level of electric lines and appliances.
- Magnetic fields are associated with the current flow in electric lines and appliances.
- Power line electric and magnetic fields are non-ionizing (does not damage cell tissue).
- Potential health effects of power line EMF have been studied for 50+ years, but no scientific conclusions on health advantages or disadvantages have been identified.
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