Basic 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.

  • Consider any electrical line dangerous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.