Safety Info
At Yampa Valley Electric, our most important service is the power of safety. No job is done right unless it is done safely, and no job shall become so routine or so urgent that safety precautions are not followed. Every hour of every day, you use electricity. Even while you sleep, electricity is there powering the necessities of your daily life, and it’s easy to take for granted.
Electric power is safe and efficient, provided you keep a few simple safety tips in mind. At Yampa Valley Electric, we’re dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and reliable, safe energy to your home or office. If you have any questions or concerns about your electric service, please contact us.
DON’T FORGET THE BASICS: Almost all indoor electric accidents can be prevented if safety is kept in mind. Never use electric appliances near water. Don’t place appliances where they can accidentally fall into water. Understand the operations of your fuse or circuit breaker box and ground fault interrupters (GFI). Test GFIs according to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are working properly. Unless you’re qualified, get expert help with electric wiring problems or improvements. Use plastic caps in outlets to help protect small children. Teach your children about electric safety.
IT’S MAINTENANCE: Make sure plugs and prongs are not loose or worn. Check cords for fraying or nicks. Make sure cords are placed where they will not cause tripping or receive excessive wear, such as under rugs. Immediately turn off and repair any appliance that sputters, stalls, sparks or gives the slightest shock.
HOME GENERATORS AND SOLAR INSTALLATIONS REQUIRE CAUTION: If you own a backup generator for outages, or have a solar generator, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Contact YVEA for safety information and inspections. During a power outage, do not plug a generator into the circuit box, since it could cause physical harm to line crews working to restore your power.
OUTDOOR SAFETY: Always assume overhead power lines are not insulated. Keep all tools, ladders, poles, pipes, farm equipment, kites, model planes, TV antennas and tree branches away from power lines. If you must work near overhead power lines, allow for at least a 10-foot clearance in all directions for both you and the materials. If an object comes in contact with a power line, do not attempt to remove it, call YVEA immediately.
PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT: A little tree now becomes a big tree in a few years and could interfere with overhead power lines. Plant trees as far away from overhead power liens as possible. Be sure to plant 10 to 15-feet away from underground lines, electric meters, and green boxes. Do not prune or remove trees near overhead power lines yourself. Call an expert.
DON’T STICK AROUND DOWNED POWER LINES: If a power line is down, call YVEA immediately and notify 911. Don’t touch the line, always assume it is live. If you see someone in contact with a downed power line, don’t try to rescue them. You could become a victim yourself. If a power line falls on your vehicle while you’re in it, stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Only exit the vehicle due to a fire, and then jump, being careful not to touch the car and ground at the same time.
ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT: For your safety, consider utility poles, electrical cabinets (green boxes) and electric substations as “off-limits”. Notify YVEA immediately if you see evidence of tampering or unsecured equipment. Do not post signs on them or allow children to play near them.
ELECTRICITY AND WATER DON’T MIX: Never use electric tools if your hands or feet are wet or if you’re standing on damp ground or in water.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG, IT’S THE LAW: Call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987 before you begin to dig.
SAFETY DEMONSTRATION: YVEA can tailor an electrical safety demonstration program to fit any audience. The no cost program is available to area schools, civic organizations, and other interested parties. The program is designed to educate the public to be safe around our product and take approximately one hour to view. For more information or to schedule a demonstration, contact our Steamboat Springs Office at 970-879-1160.
