Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Resources Safety

Safety

FKEC urges all members to always use caution when around electricity. It is our priority to keep our members and our employees safe at all times. Below are links to information to help keep you safe around electricity as well as “Safety Reminders” to protect you from the dangers of electrical power.

Other Safety Resources:

Outside Construction Safety

Generator Safety & Proper Use

Safety Outreach

Safety demonstration

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative wants to make sure all members of our community are aware of the hazards around downed power lines and know how to stay safe around electricity. To promote electrical safety, we offer a “Live Line Safety Demonstration” program for any schools, civic group, first responders, construction companies, or group that makes a request.

During the “Live Line Safety Demonstration” participants learn:

  • How electricity is delivered to homes and businesses
  • How to stay safe around downed power lines
  • The effects of contacting a power line
  • How to work safely around power lines

We can bring the safety trailer to you (a smaller indoor presentations is also available). For more information or to request a demonstration, contact FKEC Member Service at (305) 852-2431.

Safety Reminders

Safety Outside Your Home

  • Always look up! Keep yourself, tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines. You do not actually have to touch a wire to get shocked. Electricity can jump to a good conductor, such as a metal ladder or antenna if it gets too close to an energized wire.
  • Consider all power lines energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 911 and/or FKEC at (305) 852-2431.
  • Do not prune a limb that is near or touching a wire. Tree limbs contain water and can conduct electricity. See FKEC Vegetation Maintenance for more planting safety tips. Or place an online Tree Trim/Removal Request.
  • Always use grounded, three-prong extension cords outside.
  • Invest in Ground Fault Interrupters (GFIs) for all outdoor circuits.
  • Call before you dig! Before planting or digging always call “Sunshine State” at 811, visit the Call811 website or call FKEC directly at (305) 852-2431.
  • Never enter a substation. High-voltage equipment is very dangerous.
  • Do not fly kites near power lines and let go of the string if your kite drifts near electric wires. If your kite becomes tangled with wires call FKEC (305) 852-2431.

Safety in Your Home

  • Never mix water and electricity. That means do not allow a hair dryer, radio or other electronic device to be used around water – especially the bathtub. And never use an appliance in water.
  • Make sure bathroom outlets have a ground fault interrupter, or GFI, device installed. The GFI will trip the electric circuit if a fault is detected.
  • Replace damaged or worn electric cords. And never run a cord under a rug or through a wet area.
  • Use three-pronged plugs when possible. The third prong grounds the circuit and prevents shocks.
  • If a circuit trips and you are not sure why, call a licensed electrician.
  • Never overload a circuit. Big multiple-plug devices lead to overloading and the possibility of a fire.
  • Always unplug electric devices before doing repairs.
  • Use the correct wattage light bulbs. Higher than recommended wattages can overheat and lead to fire
  • Install plastic protective caps over electrical outlets to childproof your home if you have small children.

Safety Away from Home

  • If a wire falls on your vehicle, stay inside your car. If you attempt to get out and one foot touches the ground, an electrified line on your car will complete a circuit to the ground and you can be electrocuted.
  • You don’t have to touch a wire to be electrocuted! Electrical current can flow through water, metal or wet ground. Following a storm, be very careful about contacting a fence or downed trees which may be in contact with a downed power line. If you are too close, you can be injured or killed.
  • Never fire a gun at a power line, insulator, area light or transformer.
  • If you have a sailboat, always be aware of overhead power lines near marinas or any areas where you will have the mast in the upright position.