Electrical Safety

At Central Electric Power Association, your safety is our top priority. Follow these simple electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Power Line Safety

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live and life-threatening. Stay in the area to alert others, and call either 911 or CEPA at 601 to report the danger.
  • Don't touch anything that is touching a power line, such as a fence, tree limb or ladder.
  • Do not play around power lines or climb trees near them. Never fly kites, drones or model planes near electrical wires.
  • Stay away form substations and power lines, and keep children away.
  • Call 811 before you dig to locate underground lines.
  • Remember the 10-foot rule when climbing a ladder. Always maintain a 10-foot distance from power lines.

Safety at Home

  • Never put fingers or any objects in electrical outlets. Cover outlets to keep children safe.
  • Keep electrical appliances away from water to prevent electrocution.
  • Turn off appliances before unplugging them. Pull the plug – not the cord – when unplugging appliances.
  • Never tamper with your electric meter. Not only is it unsafe, it's illegal.
  • Use extension cords only temporarily, and never use them for space heaters or air conditioners.
  • Dispose of old or frayed extension cords.
  • Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
  • Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for the fixture. Improper-wattage bulbs can cause an electrical fire.
  • Install ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in bathrooms and kitchens. They monitor electric current and trip the circuit, cutting of electricity, if is there is an imbalance of current.
  • Contact a licensed electrician for electrical work in your home.

Generator Safety

Standby generators provide emergency power for many businesses and critical need situations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and fire and police departments. Standby generators are installed permanently and are hardwired into the building’s electrical system. Standby generators must be installed by a licensed electrician and meet the requirements of local ordinances and the National Electrical Code.

If you plan to use a portable generator… READ THIS BEFORE YOU CONNECT.

NEVER connect it directly to your home’s wiring unless through a transfer switch. This can energize power lines, endangering our workers. Connect appliances directly to the generator. Operate your generator outdoors, NOT in a garage, carport or storage room. And always read the instructions first.

A Safety Checklist for Portable Generators
  • Use your portable generator outside to avoid dangerous exhaust fumes.
  • Generators must be connected to your home through a transfer switch. Transfer switches should be installed by a qualified electrician in compliance with all local and national codes.
  • Be sure the generator you have selected has ample capacity to supply the lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect. Consult an electrician for assistance if needed.
  • Purchase your portable electric generator from an established dealer who can provide service and maintenance if needed.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.
  • Do not operate your generator while standing in wet conditions. This could cause an electrical shock to anyone who comes in contact.
  • For personal safety, make sure your generator is grounded so it does not become electrically charged.
  • Only connect appliances directly to a portable generator. Do not connect the generator directly to the wiring system in your home or other building through outlets or your meter. This may damage your wiring system or back feed electricity, endangering utility workers restoring your line.
  • Do not attempt to fill the generator’s fuel tank while it is operating, as the gasoline may ignite.
  • Do not tamper with the engine speed adjustment. This could overheat the generator and cause a fire.
  • Have a charged fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.

We’re here to serve you. If you have questions about portable or standby generators, please contact us.

We can help you find a safe, reliable solution to your emergency power needs.