Power Safety

Keeping Our Members And Employees Safe Is Our #1 Priority

We believe that nothing is more important than the safety of our members and employees. We consistently promote a culture of safety for the protection of employees, members and communities. We want to help our members stay safe around power and we encourage you to learn more about electrical safety, it could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Power Line Safety

Lines/Poles on the ground

Downed power lines can still be energized and could be deadly. Never go near, drive over or touch anything that may be in contact with downed lines and call 911 immediately to report. Keep others, including children and animals away from downed lines.

Car accident involving a utility pole

Learn what to do if you hit a utility pole.

Working or playing outside

Important tips to keep you and your little ones safe.

Storm Safety

When a major outages occur, visit this site for the latest information. You can also follow us on Facebook for outage updates @svalleyec. Check out our live outage viewer map, as well. Be sure to download the SVEC app to your phone or tablet to see current outage information or report your outage.

Before The Storm:

Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family before a severe storm or tornado warning is issued to minimize confusion and fear. If you have pets or any livestock, include them in your plan.
Create an emergency kit that includes 72 hours’ worth of food, water, medication and any other supplies you may need.
Closely monitor weather forecasts and have a weather radio to receive weather warnings for your location.
Bring all lawn furniture, decorations, toys and garbage cans in from outside. Tie down items that can’t be brought in like boats and trailers.
Fuel up your car. A loss of electricity could put gas stations out of commission until power is restored.
Charge your mobile device.
Close windows, doors and shutters.
Secure your home and evacuate immediately if you live in a mobile home or flood zone.

During The Storm:

Stay indoors and away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
If flooding is imminent, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or TV for information about the storm and evacuation procedures.
Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
Do not go outside until officials have issued an all clear, even if the winds have subsided.

After The Storm:

Stay alert for extended rainfall and flooding even after the storm has passed.
Report any downed lines to 911 immediately – these can be deadly!
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to your local office.
If power was out for an extended period of time, throw out any food that may have spoiled in the refrigerator.
Take pictures of any damage that has occurred to your home for insurance purposes.
If running a generator, place it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from air intakes into the home. The generator should be properly grounded and connected to appliances with proper power cords. See the “Generator Safety” section on this page.
Report power outages by using the SVEC app, on this page, call your local office or the 24/7 outage number 888-421-7832. Learn how power is restored after a major power outage at the Power Restoration page.
For more on Storm Preparedness, see the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Safety Resources page at: https://www.weather.gov/safety

Preparing for storm season will help you stay safe, potentially saving lives and money. You cannot prevent storms, but you can minimize damage to your home and injury to your family by gathering supplies, preparing your home and planning for a possible storm before storm season starts.

Electrical Safety at Home

Home Safety Tips

You may not know it but there could be hundreds of electrical safety hazards lurking in your home. Follow these tips and guidelines to ensure your family is safe.

"Childproofing" your home

When it comes to electricity, a child's curiosity can lead them to trouble. Learn how to keep your little ones safe around electricity.

Heating Safety

If you use space heaters or electric blankets, follow these rules to keep safe:

Make sure fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable and never leave unattended.
Place space heater on level, hard, non-flammable floor service - never on carpet, furniture or counter.
Do not overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater.
Before using an electric blanket, check for any damage to the blanket and cord.
Do not tuck electric blanket under mattress pad and do not place another blanket or comforter on top of it.

Generator Safety

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use of portable generators.

To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards:

Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents
NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
Follow manufacturer's instructions
Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home following manufacturer's instructions.
Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.

To Avoid Electrical Hazards:

Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
Dry your hands before touching the generator.
Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.

If necessary to connect a generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate transfer switching equipment.

To Avoid Fire Hazards:

Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers.
Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.