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Safety & Outage Tips

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.

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2400 Bing Miller Lane

PO Box 248

Urbana, IA 52345

Toll Free: 877-850-4343

Fax 319-443-4359

Email: ecirec@ecirec.coop

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©2023 East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Account Services
    • Account Management
      • Start Stop Transfer Upgrade
      • Login/Register Your Account
      • View My Usage
      • Mobile App
      • Payment Options
      • About Your Bill
        • Bill Sample
        • Terms on Your Bill
      • Rates
      • Avoid Late Fees & Disconnects
      • Service Calls & Charges
      • Avoid Peak Hours
    • Member Services
      • Member Programs
        • Notify Landlord Before Disconnect
        • Support Iowa Renewable Energy
        • Helping Hand Reminder
        • RECare Program
      • Outdoor/Security Lighting
      • Member Information Update Request
      • Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
      • Tree Trimming
      • Patronage Dividends
      • How Electricity Reaches You
      • Co-op Connections Program
      • Keep Your Bill Affordable
      • Terms & Conditions (Tariff)
  • Manage Energy
    • Save Energy & Money
      • Rebate Forms
      • Residential Heat Rate
      • Appliance Recycling
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Residential Incentives
      • Agricultural Incentives
      • Commercial Incentives
    • Smart Electrification
      • Renewables
        • On-Site Generation Facilities
        • Support Iowa Renewables
      • Smart Technologies
        • AMI & Smart Meters
        • View My Usage
      • Beneficial Electrification
    • Electric Efficiency Assets
      • Heating & Cooling
        • Electric Heat Calculator
      • Water Heaters
      • Lighting
      • Together We Save
      • Quick DIY Energy-Efficient Tips
      • Energy Calculators & Resources
      • ECI REC's Commitment to Energy Efficiency
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outages
      • If an Outage Occurs
      • ECI REC Outage Map
      • IAEC Outage Map
      • Outage Center
    • Safety
      • Call Before You Dig-811
      • Damaged Electric Facilities
      • Grain Bin Safety
      • Backup Generator
      • Safety Videos
      • Safety & Outage Tips
  • Community & News
    • Youth/Community Program
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Tour - Washington, D.C.
      • Safety Education
      • Community Reinvestment Fund
      • Revolving Loan Fund
    • News & Resources
      • Member Newsletter
      • eNewsletters
      • Bill Inserts
      • Literature, Brochures, and Guides
      • Iowa Electric Cooperative Living
      • News & Media Inquires
      • Library
  • The Cooperative
    • Grassroots Advocacy
      • ACRE/FORE
      • Legislation Update
    • Cooperative Difference
      • Guiding Principles
      • Democratic Governance
      • The Non-Profit Advantage
      • Co-op Membership
      • About Touchstone Energy®
      • Member Survey
      • Annual Meeting of Members
    • About Your Cooperative
      • About ECI REC
      • Service Territory Map
      • Management Team/Directory
      • Your Board of Directors
      • Where's the Power Come From
      • Statement of Nondiscrimination
      • Careers