BE PREPARED - Stormy Weather May Be Ahead

Severe weather can bring power lines down creating a tremendous potential hazard. And debris from storms can easily ignite if it comes into contact with downed power lines, especially when electrical wires are severed. Also, standing water and appliances can become electrically charged.

GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Never touch a downed power line. Call Rusk County Electric Cooperative to report it immediately. Avoid contact with overhead lines during cleanup and other activities. Assume that all wires on the ground are electrically charged.
• Be sure all electric and gas services are turned off before entering building for the first time after a storm.
• If water has risen above the electrical outlets in your home, contact a licensed electrician before turning on your main circuit breaker. Outlets and wiring that have come in contact with water could present a fire and shock hazard.
• Allow all electrical appliances and electronic equipment, after being submerged, to dry thoroughly. Have them checked by a qualified repair professional before turning them on.
• Look for and replace damaged extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Keep an emergency supply kit on hand in the event of power outages (see list at bottom of this page).

GENERATOR SAFETY

• Portable electric generators are often put into use for temporary power. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for installation and operation.
• Use generators or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly poison you indoors.
• Take special care not to overload the generator. Use appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords have grounded, three-pronged plugs and are in good condition.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets.
• Unless the connection is properly installed by an electrician, never connect generators to a building's wiring system or plug them into a wall outlet. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CONTENTS:

• One gallon of water per person per day for three days
• A supply of nonperishable food. It is good to have enough for at least three days. Some good ideas are ready-to-eat canned meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• A manual can opener and eating utensils
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation