We all know that electricity is fully capable of enhancing and saving lives, but it also has the intrinsic power to claim lives if handled incorrectly or without the proper respect it demands of us.  Electricity and its potential danger should never be underestimated regardless of how it is delivered. 

Cap Rock Energy believes it is very important to stress Safety wherever electricity is present.   Electricity is the most common energy source used today and it is very safe as long as we remember to treat it with respect.  We know your time is valuable, as is the lives of those you love, so please, take just a few minutes to learn or be reminded of how electricity can be harmful if not taken seriously at all times.

 

RESPECT THE POWER OF POWER LINES

 

Power lines and system facilities help us live the lifestyle

we desire.  But those same wires and facilities can be

dangerous.  Keep children away and respect the power

of power lines.

 

June is National Safety Month!

 

Power Line Safety

Take special care when you are near power lines.
 

• Touching Power Lines - Don’t get close to or touch power lines yourself or with equipment. Even touching the equipment that contacts a line could be tragically harmful.
• Antenna Installation - Be careful if you’re installing an antenna; get someone to help you.  Touching or even going near an electrical line with a ladder or antenna could cause serious injury or death.
• Children and Power Lines – Never let children fly kites or motorized airplanes near power lines.  While kites almost always use cotton string, wet cotton string can conduct electricity almost as well as metal string.  If a kite gets stuck in a tree, check first to make sure no power lines are nearby before retrieving it.
• Trees and Shrubs - When planting trees or shrubs that will grow tall, make sure they won’t grow up into nearby power lines.  If you do have a tree growing into a power line, please contact us and we will then assess the need to trim or cut the tree.  We strongly urge you to consult a professional tree-trimming service.  Each year a number of power lines fall because a well-meaning homeowner has dropped a tree or limb on a power line.  Do not attempt to prune or chop down a tree near power lines yourself; a tree falling onto a power line could cause serious injury or death.
• Underground Power Lines – Many power lines are underground.  To cut through one is extremely dangerous and could even black out an entire area.  If you’re gardening, landscaping, fencing or doing major excavations, let us know before you dig, and we will send in a service representative to mark the cable on your property.
• Downed Power Lines – Never touch downed power lines or use any object to move lines, including brooms, boards, limbs, or plastic materials.  Although wood is non-conductive, if even slightly wet it will conduct electricity, causing electric shock or electrocution.  Power lines can also slide down such objects when lifted.  Report the downed power lines to Cap Rock by calling 1-800-442-8688.  Only qualified electric utility workers should attempt to move downed power lines.
• Downed wire on a vehicle – Stay in your vehicle and wait for help.  Tell others to keep away or they too could be electrocuted.  If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time.  Then hop with feet together or shuffle away ---don’t run or stride.  Electricity spreads out through the ground in ripples, like a stone dropped in water.  The voltage is highest in the ring closest to the vehicle and decreases with distance.  Hop with feet together or shuffle away so that one foot won’t be in a higher voltage zone than another, which could make you a conductor for electricity.

Electricity and Water Safety

Electricity and water don’t mix!

• In the Bathroom – Be careful in the bathroom and near sinks; radios, hairdryers and other electrical appliances are hazardous if you use them near water.  If your hands are wet or you’re standing on a damp floor, you could get a serious electrical shock.
• Plugs  - Any plugs that are near sources of water should be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Electrical Outlets – If you are using equipment that sprays water, avoid spray contact with overhead lines.  Never step into a flooded area if water is in contact with electrical outlets, equipment or cords.

Electricity and Appliance Safety

Electrical appliances can cause a serious shock or fire hazard if the equipment is poorly designed or manufactured!

• Good Working Order – Keep appliances in good working order.  Check cords for damage, fraying or nicks.  Never use a tool or appliance with a frayed cord or where the insulation is nicked and wires are exposed.
• Grounding Prongs – Check plugs for bent or damaged prongs.  Don’t break off the grounding prong on a three-prong plug.
• Sparks – Watch out for sparks, they are a signal for potential danger.  If you see any sparks, turn off and unplug your appliance immediately.
• Keep Clean – Keep appliances clean.  Clean the removable lint filter on your clothes dryer after each load.  Dirt, dust or lint can make appliances unsafe to use; lint and dust are flammable.  Always disconnect an appliance before cleaning.

Electricity and Fire Safety

If you notice anything that might cause an electrical fire, take action at once by calling a qualified repair person.  Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuits are symptoms of electrical problems.  Overloading means overheating and that could cause a fire.

• Fuses – When replacing fuses, the recommended amperage is very important.
• Light Bulbs – Don’t exceed the recommended wattage when replacing bulbs in lamps, light fixtures or holiday lighting.
• Extension Cords – If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is the right capacity for the tool or appliance with which it is used.  Use grounded (three-prong) extension cords for outdoor tools and holiday lighting.
• Water and Electric Fires  - Never use water to put out an electrical fire.  Water conducts electricity and you could receive a bad shock.  If flames are small, use baking soda or a fire extinguisher approved for Class C (electrical) fires.
• Smoke or Flame – If smoke or a flame is coming from an appliance, don’t touch the appliance.  Unplug it or go to the main circuit breaker and turn off all power to the house.  If the smoke or flames don’t die out, try using an approved Class C fire extinguisher.

 

HELP US KEEP THEM SAFE

Dog Bites Can Be Dangerous

From time to time, Cap Rock employees must have access to your property. Some employees enter your property to read the electric meter, other’s may   access your property to assist with electrical problems.   To help us keep them safe, please note the following tips.

*Keep dogs safely secured in an area at least 10 feet away from your meter box.         

* If you have a new puppies let us know - mother dogs can be very protective of their young.

* Be a responsible pet owner.

 Dog bites are a real threat to our meter readers and servicemen.   Let’s all do our part and learn more about Dog Bite Prevention.

Do Your Part –

HELP US KEEP THEM SAFE