Follow PEC's tips for National Electrical Safety Month.
Mind Mylar balloons
May is school graduation time, which means celebrations with festive decorations. Popular metallic balloons, called Mylar balloons, are conductors and cause thousands of power outages nationwide every year. When using them, please ensure they are not released into the air. They can cause dangerous explosions if they get tangled in power lines.
Let crews work
Don’t forget to move over and slow down for vehicles with flashing lights — it’s the law! This includes PEC trucks with amber-colored lights, as well as police, fire, and emergency vehicles. Drivers must move out of the lane closest to the utility vehicle when possible, or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
Never approach a crew or worksite in the field; PEC employees work on dangerous equipment, and you’ll put your safety and theirs at risk. If you see someone you don’t recognize on your property, ask them for identification. All PEC employees carry a company ID, and many travel in vehicles with PEC logos and wear PEC uniform shirts.
Stay away from downed lines
Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or death. If you see a downed line, call our emergency reporting line immediately at 888-883-3379. Do not touch anyone or anything that is in contact with a downed line. Shuffle away from the line with small steps, always keeping both feet on the ground.
Be aware of pad-mounted transformers
Make sure kids know not to play on or around pad-mounted transformers, the big green or gray boxes that appear in neighborhoods with underground electric service. If your vehicle accidentally crashes into a pad-mounted transformer, do not get out unless there is a fire. Call 911 and wait for assistance. If you see a damaged or open pad-mounted transformer, report it to PEC immediately at 888-883-3379.
For more safety tips, please visit myPEC.com/safety.
