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Safety
SAFETY FIRST!! Please practice safe habits when dealing with electricity and power lines. It is also important to teach children basic electricity safety tips.
DOWNED POWER LINES
- Downed power lines can be dangerous. Keep your distance!! Call VEC at 361-573-2428 or 911 to report downed power lines.
- Do NOT try to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using an object such as your hands, broom or stick.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
- If you are in a vehicle that is in contact with a downed power line, stay in your car! Call 911 and remind individuals to stay away from the vehicle.
- If a danger persists and you must evacuate the vehicle, jump free of the vehicle with your feet together, making sure that you are never in contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time! Once free of the vehicle, hop away, keeping your feet together.
- Tall-growing trees that brush against power lines can knock down the lines, call VEC if the tree needs trimming to clear the lines. Click here to visit the VEC Tree Trimming page.
OVERHEAD POWER LINES
- LOOK UP! Be aware of overhead lines at all times, especially when moving ladders, installing antennas or other activities that involve tall objects.
- Keep kites or other flying toys away from overhead lines.
- Do not climb trees or build tree houses near the power lines.
- Plant trees away from power lines and make sure they will not be growing into the lines at maturity.
- Don't let the wire covering fool you! These coverings can deteriorate with age and exposure to the elements, which can lead to exposed wire and cause serious injury.
GENERATOR SAFETY
- Primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the engine exhaust, electric shock, fire and burns.
- Never use inside homes, garages or similar areas, even when using fans or opening
 doors. Carbon Monoxide levels can build rapidly and linger for hours even after the generator is turned off.
- Install a battery-operated CO alarm and test batteries monthly.
- Connect appliances to the generator using heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically designed for outdoor use and have the correct wattage rating for all connections.
- Never store fuel for your generator inside your home. All flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly marked safety containers.
- Before refueling, turn the generator off and allow it to cool down as fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
- Click here to view GenerLink, a product that allows you to safely connect a portable generator to your home without rewiring.
HOUSEHOLD SAFETY
- Simple steps such as keeping appliances serviced and avoiding outlet overloads can keep a household safe
- Keep an emergency kit stocked and readily available with items such as a first-aid kit, cash, battery-operated radio, flashlight, toilet paper, nonperishable food, etc.
- Electric heaters should be turned off and unplugged when not in use; plugged directly into the outlet (do not use an extension cord) and used at least 3 feet away from any combustible material such as bedding, furniture, rugs and window treatments (curtains).
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