Your safety is our priority
Because we care about the safety of you and your family, Butler County REC is active in educating about and promoting electrical safety. We provide educational programs, have developed a number of safety Web sites and have tips to share with you. You can always contact us for more information on any of these topics.
Keep safety in mind after storms
Storms not only damage property, they can cause health and safety hazards as well. Your reaction when a storm blows your way can head off a disaster. Some tips:
- Unplug all major electrical appliances as soon as the power goes out. This could prevent an electrical surge from damaging the motors of those appliances when the power is restored.
- Unplug basement appliances if you expect flooding.
- If parts of the house are flooded, turn off electricity to those areas before going near. Stepping in water—even shallow water—that is touching plugged-in appliances can cause electrocution.
- Have an electrician inspect flooded appliances before turning them back on.
- Keep the refrigerator door closed during power outages. Food will stay good for four to six hours in an unopened refrigerator.
- Keep a refrigerator thermometer on hand to check the temperature when power is restored. If food is below 40 degrees, it’s safe to eat.
- Know where you can get dry ice if the power is off for more than four hours.
- Keep ready-to-eat, non-perishable food on hand.
- If someone in the house is on life-support or relies on any electric medical device, make a plan for where to take the person in case of a power outage. Your local hospital can help you with the plan.
Educational and safety programs:
Educating the public about electrical safety is an important job for everyone at Butler County REC. We work hard to educate others about electrical safety and participate in a variety of public service campaigns.
Each year, we visit local schools to talk to students about electrical hazards and safety precautions. For more information about these visits or to schedule a safety demonstration for your group or organization, contact Janis Cramer in our operations department.
We sponsor online resources:
- Touchstone Energy Kids Zone This site is a cool place for kids to learn about electricity, energy savings and electrical safety.
- Electrical Safety at Home and Work This site includes how-to information on indoor and outdoor electrical projects and case studies of tragedies and how to avoid those same mistakes.
- Kids Korner Explore energy sources, efficiency and safety, and perform experiments, try out activities and play games.
- Energy Kid's Page Check out information about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, learn about recycling and why it's important, and find some great jokes, energy slang, and activity pages.
- Safe Electricity.org This site includes tips, news articles, videos, teacher materials and much more.
- Energized Learning This site includes information for middle and high school students, teachers, and parents.
Other safety assistance from Butler County REC:
- We offer assistance in planning for a safe environment for everyone working and living around grain bins. Distance from overhead power lines and availability of electric service are two important considerations when moving or placing grain bins. The State of Iowa requires specific clearances for electric lines around grain bins. Check the National Food and Energy Council's grain bin clearances for details. Read our article Plan Ahead for Proper Grain Bin Clearance. Include Butler County REC in your grain bin plans and contact Mark Siefken in our engineering department before you build.
- Under the law, Iowans who want to dig — from planting to construction — must contact Iowa One Call at least 48 hours before work begins to have underground utilities marked. The number is toll-free: 1 (800) 292-8989. For more information, contact Joe Conlon or visit the Iowa One Call Web site.
- Although we cannot see, smell or hear electricity, it CAN be felt. One touch can be deadly. We want you to enjoy the benefits of electricity, but you must always be aware of electricity. A moment of carelessness can cause serious injuries to yourself and others. If you see an electrical hazard — such as a downed power line, sagging wire or a tree in power lines — contact us immediately. The fastest and easiest way to reach us, day or night, is to call us at (319) 267-2726 or (888) 267-2726. Phones are answered 24 hours a day.
- We provide co-op member-owners with a monthly news magazine that contains safety information that is both seasonal and related to current events.
Safety tips from Butler County REC:
Here are some important things to remember about power lines:
- Keep all objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
- In areas where you are operating large farm equipment or vehicles, inspect for possible interference with overhead lines.
- Always be aware of overhead lines and know what to do if your equipment makes contact with them.
- Electrocution can occur when objects come in contact with overhead power lines.
- Never attempt to raise or move electric lines. Call your local power company.
If equipment or a vehicle comes in contact with a power line:
- First, try to drive out from under it.
- If that's not possible, stay put and have someone call for help immediately.
- If you must leave the vehicle, jump clear so you won't make contact with the ground and vehicle at the same time.
Additional resources for our members:
National Fire Protection Association Check out these tips and fact sheets.
Electrical Safety Foundation International Devoted to electrical safety, education and awareness.
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Prevent farm-related childhood injuries, health risks and fatalities.
National Food and Energy Council