Prioritize Safety Year-Round

At United Electric Co-op (UEC), we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round.

From our co-op crews to you, the members we serve, we recognize everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety.

According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted each year due to electrical fires and accidents in their homes. Many of these accidents are preventable.

Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. But we know firsthand how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year. To your electric cooperative, safety is more than a buzzword.

At UEC, we strive to keep co-op employees safe. Additionally, we want to help keep you and all members of our community safe. That is why UEC hosts safety demonstrations at community events and in schools throughout the year, demonstrating the dangers of electricity. We discuss emergency scenarios, such as what to do in a car accident involving a utility pole and downed power lines. We caution students on the dangers of pad-mounted transformers and overloading circuits with too many electronic devices.

Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools and appliances, your cooperative would like to pass along a few practical electrical safety tips.

Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard

Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them because they could cause a shock when handled.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle by having too many devices running on one circuit.

Label Circuit Breakers to Understand the Circuits in Your Home

Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.

Use Extension Cords Properly

Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. It could lead to overheating, creating a fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and causing a fire. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.

Talk With Your Children About Playing it Safe & Smart Around Electricity

Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.

Our top priority is providing an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. Equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity.

Contact UEC for additional electrical safety tips or if you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or upcoming community event.