Electricity Safety

3 Big Electricity Safety Rules

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1

Electricity is always trying to get to the ground.

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2

Electricity will follow the path of least resistance. And that could be you.

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3

Electricity travels at the speed of light, 186,000 miles per second. You don't.

 

Stay Safe Around Power Lines & Equipment

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

Keep a safe distance.

Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from the power lines, pad mount transformers and other equipment SPEC uses to get electricity to your home.

Always remember:

  • Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.

  • Don’t climb trees near power lines.

  • Never fly kites, remote control airplanes, drones or balloons near power lines.

  • If you get something stuck in a power line, call SPEC at 361-364-2220 or 888-740-2220.

  • 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 from power lines and pad mount transformers.

 

Worker keeping kids away from downed power line

Know What to Do if Your Car Hits A Pole

If a power line falls on your car, the safest option is to remain in the vehicle. You should consider the power line live and dangerous. Call San Patricio Electric or 911 immediately. If necessary, warn other people to stay away. No one should come near the car or the power line until SPEC or emergency services has arrived and made sure the situation is safe. 

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving the car is if the vehicle catches on fire. If you need to escape the vehicle, keep both feet together and jump as far from the car as possible. Then, still keeping both feet together, hop at least 40 feet away from the car. Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.

 


Do you know what to do if your car crashes into an electric pole? Check out this video to learn - it could save your life!