Electricity Safety

Conductors

Material having many free electrons makes a good conductor. Metal, standing water or wet objects, trees and people conduct electricity, meaning that electricity can travel through these objects easily. Copper and aluminum have many free electrons and therefore are widely used as conductors of electricity.

Non conductors or Insulators

Material having few free electrons makes a good electrical insulator. glass, plastic, rubber, porcelain, and clean dry wood contain few free electrons and, therefore are widely used as insulators of electricity

Overhead Line Safety

• Never climb or play around a power pole or other electrical equipment.
• Assume all power lines have electricity flowing through them and stay away.
• Check for overhead wires running near or through trees before climbing, pruning, picking fruit, or raising ladders.
• If you see a power line on the ground or dangling in the air, call your local electric utility and 911.
• Be aware that some electrical appliances may still "carry a charge" even when unplugged. Call a qualified repairperson to service them.

Outdoor Electrical Safety

• Electric Lines and services
  • If a power line hits your car, stay inside until emergency workers arrive. If you must get out due to fire or other emergency, then jump clear without touching the car and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together. Shuffle away with your feet close together.
  • Don't ever climb power poles or transmission towers. Don't let anyone shoot or throw stones at insulators.
  • Pad-mounted transformers are for underground wiring. The transformers are inside sturdy metal cabinets that are locked for safety. Never dig near them or pry them open. If you ever find an unlocked door, call the REMC.
• Electrical Storms
  • Get inside. If you can not find shelter indoors, go to low ground and crouch down. Stay away from trees and power poles.
  • Do not use electrical appliances or the telephone.
  • Stay out of the shower or bathtub.
  • Avoid trees and other tall or metal objects.
  • Stay out of the water.

Home Electrical Safety

• Never put your fingers or anything other than an electrical plug or safety cap in an outlet.
• Pull by the plug, not by the cord, when unplugging an appliance. Be alert for damaged plugs or cords.
• Limit the number of appliances plugged into each outlet.
• Unplug small electrical appliances and toys when not in use.
• Don't use electrical appliances when you are wet, have wet hands, or are standing in water.

 

Electrical Common Sense

1. Never touch or go near over head powerlines.

2. Never dig near padmount transformers or mess with transformers. Pad mounted transformers are for underground wiring. The transformers are inside sturdy metal cabinets that are locked for safety. Never dig near them or pry them open. If you find an unlocked padmount door, call the REMC.

3. Always call your Jay County REMC before trimming trees in or near power lines, and before you dig.

Safety Message

The Jay County REMC provides safety education programs.

Call us if you would like Jay County REMC to visit your school or organization.

1-800.TEL.REMC

Learn more about Electrical Safety.

© 2003 - JayREMC