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BE PREPARED FOR STORM SEASON
Springtime in Oklahoma is often associated with warmer weather, flowering plants and rain showers, but spring storms can also bring unwanted power outages. When you see power lines on the ground following a storm, stay away, warn others to stay away and contact Central Rural Electric Cooperative. Lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be energized. Any utility wire, including telephone or cable lines, sagging or down could be in contact with an energized power line making them dangerous, so stay away from all of them.
Be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Things around an energized line such as chain link fences and metal culverts may also be energized. Keep in mind that a line that’s indeed “dead” could become energized during power restoration efforts or improper use of generators.
If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and contact emergency personnel or the electric utility. Never n SEE “STORM,” PAGE 4
A Central lineman works to replace a burning pole that was damaged during a spring lightning storm.
TIPS FOR USING A BACKUP GENERATOR SAFELY Generators are useful when temporary electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are electrocution, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use. Most of the incidents involve CO poisoning from generators used indoors or in partially-enclosed spaces.
Follow these tips for safely using a backup generator: § Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to n SEE “GENERATOR,” PAGE 4