Safety

2002 Power Line Safety Law Act

Respect Power Lines

Power lines carry electricity, a product that powers, heats, cools and lights at home and at work. Energy can burn, injure or kill unless you respect it and exercise Responsible Electric Accident Control Today (REACT).

Tree climbing can be fun, but there may be hidden power lines between the limbs that if touched, could turn enjoyment into tragedy. Also, farm grain augers and many other types of farm equipment, are of such height and length that they become an excellent path to the ground should you fail to REACT.

Metal, metal-reinforced or wet ladders that you might use around your home or other buildings are conductors of electricity. Use extreme caution when using any type of ladders around electrical wires, service drops and equipment. And remember, antennas can easily fall or be blown against nearby power lines. Before you erect or repair a radio or television antenna, consult DEMCO or your electric power supplier for advice and assistance.

Emergency Generators

Hurricanes, ice storms, floods and other natural disasters can cause long electric power outages. The use of emergency electric generators by DEMCO members can save food and medicines, as well as provide added comfort and security during these service interruptions. However, care must be taken when using these generators.

When you purchase a generator, let DEMCO know by calling your nearest DEMCO office. During long power outages, please let DEMCO know you have a generator in use. It could save your life.

• Never connect the generator directly to the meter or service entry equipment.
• Never remove your electric meter without first contacting DEMCO.
• Never use a modified cord with plugs on both ends to connect the generator to the home wiring.
• Never rely on an open main breaker to isolate the generator from the power line.
• Never refuel the generator while it is running unless the manufacturer has provided for this.
• Never leave the generator unattended.
• Never operate the generator near things which can burn.
• Never overload the generator. Appliances like freezers and refrigerators need more capacity to start than to run. Allow three or four times the rated load for these items when calculating the load on the generator.

Residential Safety Checklist

Here are 10 quick checks you can make in your home today to help make it more electrically safe:

• Outlets - Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs which can overheat and lead to fires. Replace any broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
• Cords - Make sure cords are in good condition-not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall baseboard or to another object and they should not have any furniture resting on them.
• Extension Cords - Check to see that the cords are not overheated. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not safe as permanent household wiring.
• Plugs - Make sure the proper type of plug is in each outlet. If you are using three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut off the ground pin (the third/bottom prong) from the plug; this could lead to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong adapter. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. This could lead to fire or shock. Plug should fit securely into outlets and outlets should not be overloaded.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) - GFCIs can prevent many electrocutions. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly.
• Light Bulbs - Check the wattage of all bulbs in lighting fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
• Circuit Breakers/Fuses - Circuit breakers and fuses should be correct size for the circuits. If you do not know the correct size fuse, have an electrician identify and label the sizes. Never replace a fuse with anything but another correct size fuse.
• Water, Electricity Don't Mix - Don't place any electrical appliances near water, i.e., a sink or a bathtub. Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an appliance that is wet, unplug it and don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person.
• Appliances - If one appliance repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker or if it has emitted an electric shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
• Entertainment/Computer Equipment - Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connections.

Security Lighting

The National Criminal Justice Reference Service reports that by adequately lighting an area of downtown St. Louis crimes against people dropped 40 percent, auto theft dropped 28 percent and business burglaries fell 12 percent. Good outdoor lighting also is a deterrent to accidents. Adults and children are often victims of falls as a result of playing or moving around in dark areas.

• Always provide sufficient lighting at all doors, windows and other openings to your house. Deny the cover of darkness to an intruder.
• Light the front of your property. This makes a statement to individuals who might be considering breaking in. You might also encourage your neighbors to do so as well. A well-lit neighborhood is a deterrent.
• Light areas that you may need to frequent at night. Look for danger points like steps or uneven walking surfaces. For example, the path to an outside workshop or firewood storage shed.

DEMCO can assist you with your security lighting needs either by providing the lights for you or by helping you to plan good lighting around the exterior of your home. Telephone (225)261-1221 for more information.