Electrical Safety

Jones-Onslow EMC is concerned about the safety of all our customers. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of electricity.

Safety at Home
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Stay Safe During Harvest Time...

The fall season for some means hours of harvesting crops in the fields. To make sure this harvesting season is safe, follow these tips prepared by the Kansas State University Research and Extension Department:

• Listen to your body. Even though you have a lot of work to do in a short period of time, don't operate heavy machinery when you are tired.

• Be aware of overhead power lines.

• If you are moving large equipment near power lines, it is a good idea to use a spotter, or someone to tell you if you get too close to power lines.

• Make sure your machinery is running properly. Perform routine maintenance according to the operation manual and have safety guarding in place at all times.

• Be trained to use the machinery before you operate it.

• Do not take riders. One seat means one rider.

• Never try to raise a power line to get equipment under it.

Safety on the Farm

Electricity has played a major role in the progress of farming. But electric power lines present potential hazards to farmers who don’t exercise care when working with tractors and other pieces of large farm equipment.

Watch out for overhead power lines when you are driving or towing farm equipment. If you are planning to break new ground, be sure to check carefully for underground power lines. And, if you have younger farm hands who are responsible enough to operate farm equipment, be sure they are trained in all of these important safety measures. Impress upon them the importance of carefully surveying a work area or travel route to ensure that power lines are well out of the reach of any pieces of equipment.

It takes only one careless moment to cause a tragic accident. Don’t let tragedy strike your farm.

What to do in an Electrical Emergency

Electrical Fire If you have an electrical fire, make sure everyone leaves the house. Call 911 right away if you don’t think you can extinguish the fire. Then, if the fire is still small (for example, confined to an appliance) unplug the appliance or turn off the electricity, but don't touch the appliance. Never put water on an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher recommended for electrical (class C) fires. If the fire has affected your service entrance wiring or your meter, call Jones-Onslow EMC.

Electrical Shock When a victim is in contact with live, indoor electricity, you should NEVER TOUCH THE VICTIM or the appliance, wire, etc., causing the shock. Shut off the power, if possible by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the fuse. If it isn't possible, call Jones-Onslow EMC. When the victim is in contact with a live outdoor wire, call Baldwin EMC and let us turn off the power. In all cases of electrical shock, get medical help immediately. Call 911.

Downed Line Never touch or approach a downed power line. Always assume a downed power line is live and dangerous! Call Jones-Onslow EMC immediately. If you receive an automated message, please leave a message providing the location of the downed line. Then call 911 and report the line to them.