At Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative, nothing is more important to us than your safety and well-being. Please read through the following precautions and follow them to help keep you, your family and your home safe.
Safety around the house
- Electricity and water don’t mix. Never use electrical appliances close to water.
- Take an electrical tour throughout your home, searching for potential hazards. Many hazards are easily identified and corrected.
- Never put anything into electrical outlets not intended for them.
- Make sure electrical outlets aren’t overloaded.
- Check all electrical and extension cords to make sure they aren’t cracked, frayed, or covered by rugs or furniture.
- Use the appropriate wattage light bulb for lighting fixtures.
- Keep electrical appliances away from damp or hot surfaces, and make sure they have appropriate air circulation.
- Dim or flickering lights, arcs or sparks, sizzling or buzzing sounds from your electrical systems, odors, hot switch plates, loose plugs and damaged insulation, among other things, are signs of potential hazards and should be examined by a qualified electrician.
Outdoor Safety
- Electricity and water don’t mix. Never use electrical appliances close to water, and never use electrically operated power tools in the rain or in wet conditions.
- Electric-powered lawnmowers shouldn’t be used when grass is wet.
- Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before use for frayed power cords, or broken housings or plugs.
- When using tools or extension cords outdoors, make sure they are marked for outdoor use.
- Unplug all portable power tools when they’re not being used. Don’t leave power tools unattended, even briefly.
- Metal ladders conduct electricity. Be careful of overhead wires and power lines.
- Stay away from electrical equipment and substations.
- If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and call 9-1-1 or Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative immediately.