Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative - Electrical Safety and Protection

Headquarters: P.O. Box 2451, 11633 Highway 92 * Chase City, VA 23924 * 434-372-6100 * 800-989-4161 * Report Outages: 1-877-632-5688

Power lines bring the convenience of electricity to your home, they can however cause serious injury or death. When working or playing near overhead or underground power lines please be cautious. Always know what to do to avoid electrical contact.

At home, make sure all family members knows the location of the master switch on the electrical control panel and knows how to cut it off in the case of an emergency. Knowing what to do and being aware of the risks of an electrical accident can help keep you and your family safe.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-434-372-6100

Every year, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative gives a fun and interactive safety demonstration that drives home the message of electrical safety for kids.

David Jackson gives Chase City Elementary School students a lesson on overhead line safety.

Every year, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative gives a fun and interactive safety demonstration that drives home the message of electrical safety for kids.

Evan Stembridge demonstrates how an auger bit is used to drill holes for power line poles.

Safety Tips! Some people use emergency generators to provide back-up power. While generators can be used in a safe manner, improper use of a generator can pose significant hazards to you and your family. Hazards include electric shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion and fire. Be sure to have generators looked at by a professional licensed electric contractor before attempting to use them.



1-800-552-7001

- Do not come in contact with a downed power line or attempt to rescue someone in contact with a power line. If a line falls on your vehicle when you're in it, stay inside and wait for help.

- Do not allow kids to play around the green pad-mount transformer used with underground power lines.

- Never fly a kite or other object near power lines. Don't climb trees that have power lines near or come in contact with them.

- Be especially careful of clearance when handling irrigation pipe or antennas.

- Call before you dig. If you live in an area with any underground electric lines, you need to find out if there are lines in the ground before you dig for any reason, such as planting trees and bushes or installing fences and posts.

- When small children are in the home, you should cover all your unused electrical outlets with safety caps.

- Do not use damaged or brittle electrical cords. They can cause shorts, shocks, or fires and should be replaced.

- Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug. The third prong has been included to safely ground your electrical appliance.

- Protect yourself from shock with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's). These special outlets can help prevent serious injury by detecting electrical faults and shutting off electricity to the outlet when necessary.

- Never use electric equipment if your hands or feet are wet or if you are standing on wet ground.

- Install surge protectors to protect your electronic equipment and phone lines from power surges or lightning.

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