At Franklin REC, Safety is our Number One Priority

Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to provide electricity to your home. 

Always remember to:

  • 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 us for assistance.
  • 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.

Power line hazards and vehicles

If a power line falls on a car or vehicle while you are in it, STAY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. Warn people not to touch the car or the line. Call or ask someone to call 9-1-1 and Franklin REC. 

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches fire: Keeping both feet together, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you are clear, shuffle at least 50 feet away with both feet on the ground. DO NOT try to help someone else from the car, truck, tractor, or combine while you are standing on the ground.

As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 9-1-1 and call Franklin REC at (641) 456-2557.

 

Electrical Safety Tips

We care about the safety of you and your family. That's why Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative is active in the education and promotion of electrical safety. We provide educational programs, have developed a number of safety web sites, and have tips to share with you. And, of course, you can always contact us for more information on any of these topics.

Our top 10 electrical safety tips:

1. Call Franklin REC immediately if you see an electrical hazard. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. Call 641-456-2557 if you have questions.

2. Have a family plan outlining what to do in case of an electrical emergency. For example, call 911 for injuries or electrical fires, and stay away from downed power lines.

3. Read and follow all safety instructions that come with appliances you purchase and use.

4. Follow safety procedures if your equipment or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, including: 1) try to drive out from under it if you can, 2) stay in place and have someone call for help immediately, or 3) if you must leave the vehicle: jump clear without making contact with the ground and vehicle at the same time.

5. Install and repair electrical outlets and appliances using precautions and safety measures, including shutting off power (and testing to be sure power is off), safety equipment and tools, and/or hiring a licensed electrician to do the job.

6. Plant trees at least 30 feet away from power lines so the trees won't eventually grow into the lines.

7. Do not attempt to remove items (fallen tree branches, kites, etc.) from power lines.

8. Never attempt to move or raise electric lines; instead call Franklin REC at 641-456-2557 for assistance.

9. Be aware of power line locations when moving farm equipment and know what to do if you come in contact with lines.

10. Keep all objects (ladders, farm equipment) at least 10 feet away from power lines.

We offer educational and safety programs:

Franklin REC is very active in the promotion of electrical and fam safety safety education. Cooperative employees participate in Farm Safety Day and county fairs demonstrating high voltage and safety awareness.

We also visit area schools and would be happy to volunteer at your school or for your organization to demonstrate the importance of electrical safety.

To schedule a visit, contact Chad Foster, member service advisor, 641-456-2557.