Cuivre River Electric Cooperative reminds area residents to be aware of the dangers of electricity while working outdoors this spring. Cuivre River Safety Coordinator Doug Bagby stresses, “Play it safe with electricity. Accidents involving power lines usually happen when someone doesn’t take the time to look up and observe the whole situation. Take time to educate younger or less experienced workers to avoid potential hazards when working.”

Cuivre River offers these important safety tips to help make spring more enjoyable:

• • Look up for power lines before installing a satellite dish, antenna, solar panels, making roof repairs, trimming or pruning trees, or using long-handled tools.
• • Be sure to fly kites in open areas away from power lines.
• • Check outdoor electrical outlets for protective weatherproof covers and be sure GFCIs are operating properly by using the test button.
• • Always carry a ladder horizontally.  Before setting it up, check to see if power lines are located overhead or nearby.
• • Be alert and watch for power lines when operating tall machinery or equipment outdoors. Adjust machinery or equipment to the lowest position before moving.
• • Before starting a digging project, Missouri law requires you to submit a utility locate request by contacting Missouri One Call by calling 8-1-1 or visiting mo1call.com. As a free service, an underground utility locator will mark power lines and other utilities that are buried at the work site. Use extreme caution when using a shovel or other digging tool. •  By calling to find out where underground utilities are buried, you avoid hazards and keep vital services (electricity, telephone, water and sewer) from being disrupted.
• • Never attempt to move or raise a power line. Since electricity can’t be seen, always assume a line is live with power.
• • Missouri law requires that your electric utility company be notified when working within 10 feet of a power line. OSHA expands that zone for cranes and construction crews to notify the utility if the work is to be done at 20 feet or closer to a power line. Cuivre River Electric Cooperative will assist with your underground and overhead power line safety requests and concerns.

“Just use common sense when working around power lines. Look up and survey the scene around you,” adds Bagby. “Also make sure to contact Missouri One Call before you dig to avoid hitting a buried power line.”

To learn more about electric safety, visit www.safeelectricity.org, www.cuivre.com, or contact Cuivre River Electric Cooperative at 636-528-8261, 636-695-4700, or 800-392-3709.