Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative urges you to follow these safety rules:

Consider all utility lines dangerous. Keep objects such as kites, ladders, and antennas away from power lines.

If power lines are underground, call the Julie locating service before you dig. RECC and other utilities in the vicinity will locate and mark their lines.

Report any potential power-line hazards to RECC, including trees growing into the lines.

Never touch a person or object that is in contact with a power line.

Never touch, kick, pull, or attempt to move a fallen or hanging power line. Notify us immediately and keep others away from the line until utility employees arrive.

When working outside, stay clear of overhead power lines or exposed wires. Before installing an antenna, make sure it cannot fall into a power line, causing power outages, injuries, and even death.

Check all extension and appliance cords frequently. Replace any worn or frayed cords immediately. Do not patch a broken cord.

When buying electrical equipment or appliances, always look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal and make sure it applies to the entire appliance, not just the plug or cord.

Do not run electrical cords through doorways or under carpets. Do not drape them over radiators, pipes, or other metal objects.

Fly kites in open fields away from electric wires. Do not use wire, metal, or wet string on a kite. If you kite catches in a wire or on a high pole, do not try to remove it — call RECC. Do not fly a kite in wet or stormy weather.

Never fire a gun at a security light, power line, insulator, or transformer.

Be sure tools and appliances are properly grounded. A three-prong plug used in a two-wire receptacle must have an adapter. Install a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops, and outside outlets.

Do not touch an electrical switch while your hands are damp. Never handle an electrical cord or appliance while in water.

Handling electrical appliances improperly can cause a fire. Do not let appliance cords overheat. If they feel extremely warm discontinue use.

To prevent overheating, use extension cords large enough to carry the amount of current needed to operate the appliance. Use heavy-duty extension cords with portable tools and heavy-duty appliances.

If you have small children, childproof your home by installing plastic protective caps over electrical outlets.