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Safety

At Blue Grass Energy, member safety is important to us. Below are some links to important safety information to help keep you and your family safe

POWER LINE SAFETY

Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. Blue Grass Energy wants to help our members stay safe around power lines.

Keep a safe distance from power lines

Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to get electricity to your home.

Always remember to:

  • Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
  • Don’t climb trees near power lines.
  • Never fly kites, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.
  • If you get something stuck in a power line, call your Touchstone Energy co-op to get it.
  • Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
  • Never touch or go near a downed power line.
  • Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
  • Keep children and pets away.

 

 

POWER LINE HAZARDS AND CARS

What to do if a power line falls on your car

If a power line falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle. This is the safest place to stay. Warn people not to touch the car or the line. Call or ask someone to call the local cooperative and emergency services.

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire. Open the door. Do not step out of the car. You may receive a shock. Instead, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you clear the car, shuffle at least 50 feet away, with both feet on the ground.

As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911 or call your electric utility company's Service Center/Dispatch Office.

Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.

 

 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND GENERATORS

Preventing Electrocutions Associated with Portable Generators Plugged Into Household Circuits

When power lines are down, residents can restore energy to their homes or other structures by using another power source such as a portable generator. If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.

If it is necessary to use a portable generator, manufacturer recommendations and specifications must be strictly followed. If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation of the portable generator, a qualified electrician should be immediately contacted to assist in installation and start-up activities. The generator should always be positioned outside the structure.

When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator. This will prevent power lines from being inadvertently energized by backfeed electrical energy from the generators, and help protect utility line workers or other repair workers or people in neighboring buildings from possible electrocution. If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning the main breaker to the “off” position or removing the main fuse, the electrical current could reverse, go back through the circuit to the outside power grid, and energize power lines or electrical systems in other buildings to at or near their original voltage without the knowledge of utility or other workers.

Effects of Backfeed

The problem of backfeed in electrical energy is a potential risk for electrical energy workers. Electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of all reported occupational deaths. Following the safety guidelines below can reduce this risk.

Other Generator Hazards

Generator use is also a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Generators should only be used in well ventilated areas.

 

 

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©2022 Blue Grass Energy. All Rights Reserved.

  • My Account
    • Access My Account
    • Payment Options
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • About My Bill
    • Capital Credits: Questions & Answers
    • Residential Outdoor Lighting
    • Tree Trimming
    • Member Bill Of Rights
    • Member Privacy Policy
    • Rates
    • New Member Info
    • New Construction Specifications
    • Electric Inspector Contact Information
    • My Business Account
      • Start Service - Business
      • Stop Service - Business
      • Builders & Developers
      • Economic Development
      • Commercial Outdoor Lighting
      • Load Data Form
  • Programs
    • SimpleSaver
    • Envirowatts
    • Home Energy Analysis
    • Air Sealing Rebate
    • Duct Sealing Rebate
    • Net Metering
    • Replacing Resistance Heat
    • New Manufactured Homes
    • Touchstone Energy Home - New Construction
    • Commercial & Industrial Services
    • 811 - Free Utility Locating
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Information
      • Solar 101 Booklet
      • Cooperative Solar
      • Solar Education Project
    • Energy Saving Tools & Resources
      • Simple Energy Tips
      • Energy Library
      • Together We Save
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Trees can make your home more energy efficient
      • Videos On Energy Efficiency
      • Television Calculator
      • Appliance & Home Electronics Calculator
  • Our Community
    • Annual Meeting
    • Co-op Connections
    • Power of Membership
    • Pennies For Purpose
    • Blue Grass Living
    • Scholarships
    • Washington Youth Tour
    • Educational Programs
    • Contribution Application
    • Economic Development
    • Kids' Activities
    • Kid's Korner
  • Safety & Education
    • Surviving The Winter Season
    • Safety
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Central
    • How Power Is Restored
    • Downed Power Lines
    • Food Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Generator Safety
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blue Grass Energy Territory
    • Cooperative Profile
    • Purpose & Values
    • Hours of Operation
    • Office Locations
    • Co-op History
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Media Information
    • News/Events
    • Contact Us
    • Your Co-op Directors
    • Your Co-op Staff
    • Non-Discrimination Statement
    • Affiliates