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Electric Safety Tips

General Info

Stay away from electrical equipment, which includes poles, guy wires, substations, underground transformers, and trucks working on lines.

When you see Coastal Electric Cooperative crews with trucks and equipment along roadsides, slow down and proceed slowly with care.

Downed Power Line Safety

If a power line falls, stay away from it! Report the downed line to 911 immediately.

Call us at 800-421-2343, immediately if you see a downed line. Don’t touch it! You should always assume a downed wire is live.

Overhead Power Line Safety

Call us to trim trees near power lines.

Call the Utilities Protection Council (UPC) by dialing 811 before working near overhead power lines.

Never allow pool cleaning equipment to touch power lines near the pool area.

Don’t build or construct anything under overhead power lines.

Keep ladders, antennas and poles away from power lines.

If you have a swimming pool, make sure that overhead wiring does not pass over the pool and is safely away from the pool area.

Keep kites, toys, drones, and other flying objects away from overhead power lines.

Underground Power Line Safety

Don't dig near underground lines without calling Georgia Utilities Protection Center at 800-282-7411. This free service will notify CEC to locate the lines so you can dig safely.

Do not plant trees/shrubbery or place obstructions within 10 feet of green transformer boxes or beneath overhead electrical lines.

Water Safety

When boating, launch your boat before raising the sail. Always look for power lines around the boat landings and lake crossings.

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Be sure outlets near sinks, tubs, pools, and other sources of water are wired with ground fault circuit interrupters.

Don’t let boat antennas, sail masts or fishing poles come into contact with overhead power lines.

Never run extension cords outside after a heavy rain. Even though the rain has stopped, the ground may still be wet, and anything wet will conduct electricity.

Outdoor Safety

Utility poles are not places to attach signs. Nails and staples can interfere with special climbing hooks used by line workers to climb poles and can also increase the risk of electrocution.

The best place to be during a thunderstorm is inside. When you see a storm approaching, seek shelter right away.

Make sure extension cords you use outdoors are rated for outdoor use, in good condition (no cuts or frays), and plugged into properly grounded outlets.