Electricity is a powerful form of energy. While it makes living and working around the home easy, safe and fun, it can also be dangerous if used carelessly. That’s why it is important to know the rules of electric safety.

What Should I Do If I See A Downed Line?

It is important to STAY AWAY from any downed lines. Please do not try to remove any debris tangled in power lines, even if you think the line is dead. To report a power outage or downed lines, call 911, or one of our district offices.

Indoor Safety

• Do not poke things into electrical outlets, toasters or any other appliances, on or off. The only thing that is supposed to go there is an electric plug with an undamaged cord.

• Electricity and water do not mix. When you’re wet, do not touch or use electrical appliances. Keep all radios, hairdryers and other appliances away from the sink and bathtub. Never use water on an electrical fire!

• Keep a ready-to-use multipurpose fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit in your home at all times.

• Protect your appliances: Power surges, caused by interruptions or changes in the flow of electricity can seriously damage your valuable electronic equipment. Of course, a surge protector is no match for a direct strike from lightning, but it can protect devices from indirect lightning and damage from small surges. We make Surge Guard® surge protectors available to help protect your equipment from hundreds of dollars in damage.

• Be careful with cords and plugs: 

  • Grasp the plug, not the cord, when unplugging.

  • Always replace a blown fuse with the same size fuse.

  • Replace any broken or missing wall plates.

  • Put safety covers on unused outlets that are within reach of children.

  • Keep power cords clean to prevent the insulation from deteriorating.

  • Don’t use extension cords as permanent household wiring.

• Always check for the following hazards:

  • Frayed wires

  • Warm electrical cords or light switches

  • Loose electrical outlet receptacles

  • Any feeling of electrical shock when touching appliances

Outdoor Safety 

• Do not climb in a tree if power lines pass through or near it. Even tree branches can conduct electricity!

• Do not plant trees or shrubbery or put any obstructions within 10 feet of green transformer boxes or beneath overhead lines.

• Fly kites in open fields—not around power lines. Electricity can travel down kite strings or wires. Never fly kites or balloons near any power lines.

• Never climb transmission towers or touch, climb or play on any electrical equipment you see in your neighborhood. The electricity carried through this equipment is extremely high voltage; getting an electric shock could kill you. If toys are caught in electrical equipment, leave them and find an adult to help. Call Palmetto Electric to have the item retrieved.

• Keep all items at least 10 feet below overhead power lines, including:

  • Ladders

  • Antennas

  • Boat antennas, sail masts or fishing poles

  • Pool-cleaning equipment

  • Kites

• Downed power lines are big trouble for kids. Always assume that any power line is fully charged and is not turned off. Stay well away and call 911 or your local Palmetto Electric office.

Portable Generators

If you have a portable generator, it should be isolated from our lines, or be equipped with a properly installed double-throw switch installed by a licensed electrician. Generators that are not isolated or installed improperly can feed back into our lines and possibly electrocute anyone coming in contact with those wires, including you, your children, neighbors, our line personnel, pets, or livestock.

If you plan to use a portable generator, here are some important safety precautions:

• If you have any doubts about how to properly use a portable electric generator, contact the manufacturer or a licensed electrician for assistance.

• Locate your generator in a well-ventilated area. Never run it inside, even in your garage. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords. Make sure that extension cords are not frayed or worn. Do not connect your power generator directly to your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel. Limit the number of appliances you use to no more than the recommended wattage of the generator.

• Read all instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the generator only when necessary, and don’t overload it. Turn it off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home to avoid possible fire hazard.

In The Case Of An Accident

If a person has been shocked, do not attempt to move them. Turn off the main source of power and CALL 911. Be positive that the victim is no longer in contact with the source of power before touching them. If the victim is not breathing or their heart has stopped, begin rescue breathing or CPR.