Safety is REC’s No. 1 priority, not only for employees, but for all member-owners.
Inclement weather, such as the storm that affected REC’s service territory on Monday, carries many safety hazards. These hazards include severe cold, falling ice and snow, generator use, and downed trees and power lines.
We encourage all member-owners to familiarize themselves with critical safety measures to protect themselves and others.
Heeding the following tips and others posted at myrec.coop could save lives and property.
- If you see a broken or fallen overhead power line, assume it is “live” and call REC immediately.
- Do not drive over or touch downed power lines or anything in contact with them.
- If you are in your car and it comes into contact with a downed power line, stay in your vehicle and tell others to stay away from your vehicle. If the vehicle catches fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time.
- Read all safety instructions for your generator, and never refuel your generator while it is operating.
- Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator, and never install it in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
- Check electrical cords for frays and nicks, and make sure plugs aren’t loose or worn.
- Keep ladders and other tools clear of power lines when completing projects such as gutter cleaning.
- Never use wet electrical equipment.
REC crews and crews from at least seven other states continue to work to repair damage and restore power. Member-owners can track crew work locations on REC’s social media channels and at myrec.coop, where they also can find information on warming shelters available in several counties.
