It’s May – and Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is celebrating National Electrical Safety Month. While safety for our members is top priority year-round, Electrical Safety Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of safety excellence.

 

Severe storms can cause many electrical safety hazards in and around our homes. To protect yourself and your family from storm-related electrical dangers, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative provides answers to common storm-safety questions.

 

Indoor Safety - How can I keep my family safe inside while it’s storming?

• Stay away from windows and doors.

• Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives.  During the storm, avoid contact with electrical equipment, cords and plumbing (including sinks, bathtubs and faucets).

• Limit the use of corded telephones to emergencies only.  You can use cordless or cellphones safely.

• You should bring your pets inside to protect them.  Doghouses are not lightning-safe, and chained animals can easily become victims of lightning strikes.

 

Outdoor Safety - What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm or lightning storm?

• Don’t stand close to other people.  Spread out.

• Lightning strikes the tallest available object, so if you are in an exposed area, crouch low, tuck your head and cover your ears.  Do not lie down.

• Stay away from trees and metal.  Don’t hold on to metal items like bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Avoid metal sheds, clotheslines, poles and fences.

• Stay away from water, including pools, lakes, puddles and anything damp—like grass or even wet towels.

 

What should I do if I encounter a lightning storm while driving?

Slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area. Do not leave your vehicle and do not use electronic devices inside the car.

 

Power Lines - What do I do if I encounter a downed power line?

• Move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it.

• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line.  Even nonconductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and electrocute you.

a• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, do not touch the person—you could become the next victim.  Call 911 instead.

 

What if my car contacts a downed line?

Do not drive over downed power lines. But if you are in a car that has come into contact with a downed line, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away.  If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out with both feet together and avoid contact with the car and the ground at the same time.  Shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times.

 

Flooded Areas - What should I look out for when my home is flooded?

Use extreme care when stepping into flooded areas indoors. Submerged outlets or electrical cords can energize water, posing a lethal situation.  Do not use electrical appliances that have gotten wet until a qualified service repairperson can examine them. Electrical equipment exposed to water can be extremely dangerous if re-energized without proper reconditioning or replacement.

 

Does a flood affect my home’s electrical system?

Electrical system elements such as circuit breakers, fuses, ground-fault circuit interrupters, receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. If they have been submerged, have a licensed, qualified professional replace them.

 

Can flooded outside areas be dangerous, too?

Yes. Downed power lines or submerged outlets from adjacent homes could energize the water. Use extreme caution when entering any flooded area.

 

To ensure safety at all times, when in doubt always call 911 and then contact Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative at 1-800-392-5986.

 

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative wishes you a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!