10 Electrical Safety Rules

The safety of its crews and member-consumers is a top priority for East-Central Iowa REC. We recommend that you know and teach these basic rules about how to respect electricity.

  1. Consider any electrical line dangerous.

  2. Keep objects such as kites, ladders, and antennas away from power lines.

  3. Do not attempt to raise or move electric lines. They are not insulated and can cause electrocution!

  4. Report any potential power line hazards to the Cooperative, including trees growing in the lines.

  5. Always stay away from any electric line that is down on the ground. Call ECI REC at 877-850-4343 immediately.

  6. Never touch a person or object that is in contact with a live power line.

  7. Pull the entrance switch or fuse before working on wiring or any equipment connected to the wiring. If in doubt, call a competent electrician.

  8. If a fuse blows or a breaker trips, find out the cause before restoring current to that circuit. Look for damaged or bare wires, defective outlets, and defective appliances.

  9. Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where appliances may accidentally come into contact with water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and exterior spaces.

  10. If your vehicle hits a utility pole, stay in your car until help arrives.

For more safety tips, download the safety booklet from Electrical Safety Foundation International. Then, download and print off a safety checklist for your refrigerator!

Be prepared for a power outage and place these items in a tote:

  • flashlights and extra batteries

  • battery-powered weather radio

  • plenty of water — the American Red Cross suggests one gallon per person per day

  • high-energy foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking

  • a non-electric can opener

  • a week's worth of medicines

  • first-aid supplies

  • wipes for hand cleaning

  • extra baby items and pet supplies

During an Outage

  • Call ECI REC toll-free at 877-850-4343 to report the outage.

  • Turn off the stove, oven, and other appliances (except the refrigerator and freezer, unless they're empty) to prevent heavy startup loads that could cause secondary blackouts when power is restored.

  • Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, TVs, and other home entertainment equipment to avoid damage to them when power is restored.

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food from spoiling.

  • Follow safety instructions if using a backup generator.

  • Leave one light turned on, so you'll know when the power is restored.

Tips for a Winter Outage

  • Settle in a room on the warm side of the house, away from prevailing winds.

  • If you have an unvented, fuel-burning space heater, place it on a level, non-flammable surface. Cross-ventilate by opening a window an inch on each side of the room. Never leave a space heater unattended.

  • If temperatures fall to near freezing in your home, open all faucets so they drip.

  • Close off as many rooms as possible, unless you need to ventilate a space heater.

  • Don't use cooking equipment to create heat.

  • Use the fireplace if you have one.

Tips for a Summer Outage

  • Dress in loose, lightweight clothing.

  • Stay on the coolest, lowest level of your home.

  • Use natural ventilation to cool homes, and consider purchasing battery-powered fans.

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Use safe, alternative food preparations, like an outdoor grill.

  • Check on friends and relatives, especially children, seniors, and those with medical conditions or disabilities.