Cumberland Valley Electric Safety Tips

General Electrical Safety

  • Stay away from Cumberland Valley Electric equipment, which includes poles, guy wires, substations, underground transformers and trucks working on lines.
  • Stay away and keep others back from fallen power lines (including telephone and cable TV lines). Call Cumberland Valley Electric immediately if you see downed lines.
  • Keep all objects away from power lines, which include ladders, antennas and kites which are all fatal when they come in contact with a “hot” power line.
  • Never touch a person who is in contact with a live power line.
  • Plant trees away from overhead power lines and underground transformers.
  • Don’t build or construct anything under overhead power lines.
  • Outlets related to frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses should be inspected by a professional.
  • Test your smoke detector batteries. Replace them if they are more than six months old.
  • Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker. Contact us to find out how to correctly install a generator.
  • Contact us before you do any type of digging or work adjacent to underground or overhead power lines.

Tips for Everyday Electrical Safety

  • Check cords, plugs and extension-cord outlets to make sure they’re not worn or cracked.
  • Use safety caps on all unused electrical outlets if you have young children.
  • Keep appliances away from water and far from the reach of wet hands.
  • Teach your kids never to climb utility poles, fences around substations or trees near overhead power lines.
  • Don’t use an electric appliance if you’re standing in water, on damp ground, or on metal.
  • Make sure light bulbs are the proper wattage and are securely screwed in light fixture so bulbs won’t overheat and ignite curtains or nearby furniture.
  • Don’t place a portable heater in high-traffic areas and keep it clear of curtains, bedding, clothes and furniture.
  • Never run cords under rugs, furniture, or behind baseboards.
  • Don’t tuck electric blankets into mattresses or under children and don’t put anything on top of the blanket while in use, such as a comforter or bedspread.