Here are some quick tips on how you and your family can work and play safely around electricity.

• Always look up before raising ladders or other long objects outdoors.
   
• Keep ladders and scaffolds as far as possible from power lines.
   
• Use wood or fiberglass ladders if you must work near electric wires. Never use an aluminum or metal ladder near electric lines.
   
• Remember to look up before planting new trees or trimming existing ones.
   
• Pay attention to the signs on the substation fencing; they mark the danger zone for you.
   
• Make sure your antenna has lightning protection.
   
• Stay clear of overhead power lines when moving irrigation pipes, augers, grain elevators, tall machinery, etc.
   
• Have electrical circuits, wiring and equipment inspected by a licensed electrician.
   
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) when working outdoors.
   
• Ensure that sprinklers don't spray water near overhead lines.
   
• Check your outdoor receptacles - do the outlets have their own waterproof covers?

• Remember that power runs underground as well as overhead. Call before you dig when landscaping your front or back yard.
   
• Always wear shoes when using a lawn mower and outdoor power tools. Be sure to work on dry grass only, and never use electric tools in rain or on wet surfaces.
   
• Check for frayed or damaged cords on power tools. Discard or replace any with damaged cords or cracked housing.
   

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Many residents who lose power may turn to emergency generators to ensure a continuous source of electricity to refrigerators, freezers, lights, fans and other appliances. SVEC urges residents to exercise extreme caution. While generators are a convenience in keeping appliances running during storm-related outages, they can also create hazards for homeowners and electric utility workers.

 When operating a generator:

• Always operate a generator in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and instructions.
• To avoid CO poisoning, never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area away from air intakes to the home.
• To avoid electrocution, plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
• If connecting into the house wiring is necessary on a temporary basis, homes must have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. A transfer switch allows your house to receive power directly from a portable generator as opposed to through the main circuit breaker normally supplied by SVEC. Transfer switches isolate the circuits supplied by the generator and prevent backfeeding - inadvertently energizing circuits in both systems. SVEC has approved the GENERLINK transfer switch. (see below or click picture to the right)
• Backfeeding can most commonly occur when a generator is connected directly to the electric panel or circuit in a home. Feeding power back into the utility system during an outage will energize the transformer serving the house and could pose a serious threat to  service and tree crews working to restore power in the area who may not know they are working with an energized line.

If you desire to obtain a transfer switch for residential use, the cooperative has approved a meter socket based transfer switch by GENERLINK model number MA23-N or S.  Member would purchase the transfer switch through GENERLINK( 1-800-886-3837 ) and contact the cooperative to schedule installation at no charge.

• How to Calculate your House Wattage for Generator Sizing from Generlink

• Click here for more information on choosing the correct size generator for your needs.

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If you're planning any projects that require digging, such as installing fence posts or planting trees, stop and think twice about what may be hidden underground. Underground electric lines may serve you. Since these lines are out of sight, it's easy to forget they're there, perhaps just below the spot where you're getting ready to dig.

Although underground electric lines are insulated, you can still be injured if you cut through the insulation while standing on the ground. Even when the insulation is only nicked, you may find your home without power weeks later after moisture has been able to seep into the line. If you have underground electric service,  call SVEC before you do any digging in your yard. We will be happy to send someone out to mark the location of the lines for you.

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Utility poles safely support the electric power conductors (wires) that provide vital electric service to our members. They are the backbone of our distribution system.

Please do not place yard sale signs, posters, advertisements, or any other such items on utility poles. They are a safety hazard for our line workers. Line workers who have to navigate around these attachments while climbing utility poles could fall and get hurt. Not only are the signs themselves hazardous, but the nails or staples used to post them can damage the equipment a line worker wears to protect him from electric shock. And if a line worker should hit a nail or staple while climbing, his gaff could slip off the pole.

Furthermore, sports equipment, private lighting or any other device for personal use should not be installed on any utility pole.

Refrain from landscaping around the bottom of poles with flower boxes, birdhouses, etc.
If a line worker should fall on these, he could be injured more seriously.

Don't use electrical equipment installed on the pole for target practice. This will do nothing but damage equipment and probably cause outages. Shooting at power lines or insulators on the poles is illegal and could cause the lines to come down.
 

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Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.

THE PROBLEM

 During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.

THE FACTS

December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.

THE CAUSE

Electrical Wiring

• Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks. Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. For more information contact:

The U. S. Fire Administration

Visit the USFA Web site:  www.usfa.fema.gov

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Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

11340 100th Street Live Oak Florida  32060

Tel. 386-362-2226  Fax 386-364-5008

| Last Updated 02/26/2008