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Valley Rural Energy Services: Learn More About VRES  
Toll-free: 800-432-0680 | Pay-by-phone: 855-922-3147
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HIC Number PA130865

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This is Electrical Safety Month

Monday | May 1, 2023
All News

May 1, 2023

Transformers on a utility pole with tree blossoms in the foreground with message: May is Electrical Safety Month

Electricity lights homes and businesses, provides warmth, and keeps appliances and equipment running smoothly. During Electrical Safety Month, Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity provide these electrical safety tips to avoid hazards both inside and outdoors.

Staying safe on the road

Downed power lines can happen because of wind, storms, animals, or an auto accident/collision.

Fallen trees, an electrical pole, power lines, and a transfer block a road

  • If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1 to report it and stay in your car. You cannot tell by looking or listening if the power line is deenergized. Wait in your vehicle until an electric utility crew member says it is safe to get out.
  • Do not drive over a downed power line. Doing so could cause a domino effect and bring down other lines, poles, and equipment.
  • The only time you should exit is if your vehicle or cab is on fire. If this is the case, make a solid jump from the car or cab without touching it, landing with both feet together. Then, hop away with your feet together as far as you can.

Staying safe outside

When working outside, be aware of overhead and underground power lines.

Scaffolding along the gable of a house near overhead power lines

  • Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Keep any items you are carrying or using, such as long poles or other extended equipment, 10 feet away from power lines at all times. Carry an extension ladder or other far-reaching tools or equipment horizontally.
  • Make sure that all outside outlets are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.
  • Before digging, call 8-1-1 or your state's underground locating service. Buried lines such as electric, gas, water, sewer, and other lines bring services indoors. Besides the dangers of coming in contact with a gas or electric line, fines due to damage are the responsibility of the homeowner or landowner. Privately owned lines and systems will not be marked by the free service.
  • When you see lightning or hear thunder, take shelter inside a building or a hard-topped vehicle for protection. Stay away from high places, and do not take shelter under an isolated tree. Stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as metal fences. If you are swimming or in a hot tub, get out. Water is an electrical conductor that is dangerous during a storm.
  • Warn children not to play around power lines, substations, or other electrical equipment (such as green padmount transformer boxes). Also warn them not to climb utility poles or trees near power lines.

Staying safe inside

With many people working from home, the workplace and where you live can be one and the same. This means more devices are plugged into outlets or circuits that may not be able to handle the load.

Five electronic devices plugged into one power strip

  • Do not overload outlets, power strips, or extension cords.
  • Have a qualified electrician/licensed contractor check for hazards if you notice the following: dimming lights, a sizzling or buzzing sound, the smell of warm plastic, a switch plate that feels warm or looks scorched, sparks when plugging in or unplugging items, or circuits that trip often.
  • When working with electrical equipment inside the house or shop, be aware that electrical equipment can spark when flammable vapors, gases, or dust are present.
  • Do not overstretch a cord or use frayed or damaged cords.
  • During storms, lightning can enter homes through corded phones, televisions, radios, or computers. Lightning can also travel through plumbing, so do not shower, take a bath, or wash dishes when you see lightning strikes. If possible, unplug appliances and electronics before the storm, including cell phones that are charging via electricity. Surges caused by lightning can damage electronics and appliances.

For more information about electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org. And visit our Facebook page for additional electrical safety tips during the month.

Article and images courtesy of SafeElectricity.org.

Items of Interest

We Make Safety a Priority. Valley REC. Proud member of Safe Electricity® since 2017.

Valley Rural Energy Services offered by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
HIC Number PA130865

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MORE SAVINGS, MORE MILESTONES. The one card that does it all. Connections.coop - Two graduates in caps and gowns hugging.

Call 811 - Know what's below. Call before you dig. (PA One Call)

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Main Address

Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

10700 Fairgrounds Road

PO Box 477

Huntingdon, PA 16652-0477

 

Phone Numbers

Telephone: 814-643-2650

Toll-free: 800-432-0680

Pay-by-phone: 855-922-3147

Fax: 814-643-1678

 

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

HIC Number PA130865

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The Touchstone Energy® name and logo design, the Co-op Connections® name,
the tagline "The One Card That Does It All®," and the tagline "The Power of Human Connections®"
are federally registered trademarks and may not be used without permission.

NISC, SmartHub, and the SmartHub Logo are registered trademarks of National Information Solutions Cooperative, Inc. (NISC) in the U.S. and other countries.

Safe Electricity® is a registered trademark of the Energy Education Council.

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Definitions
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Programs & Services
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  • For Kids
  • Golf Outing
  • Members Helping Members
  • Scholarships - Brighter Future
  • Youth Tour
Valley Rural Energy Services
  • Generator Sales and Installation
  • Generator Transfer Switches
  • Whole Home Surge Protection
  • Electrical Service Work
  • Water Heater Sales
  • Water Heater Rebates
  • Home Energy Audits
  • LED Light Bulbs
Demand Response
  • Demand Response Details
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