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  1. Outages & Safety
  2. Fire Safety
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Fire Safety & Prevention

Be Fire Prevention Smart – Don’t Get Burned!

Electricity usually makes life easier by powering kitchen appliances, gadgets, and electronics we use for entertainment. However, that same electricity contains the potential to destroy homes and take lives. Electric fires are more destructive than any other type of fire, and they are twice as deadly. SEC has the following information to help you keep your electric system safe.

fire

  • Consider getting an electric inspection of your home, especially if it is an older home, or you have never had an inspection.
  • If an electrical fire starts in your home, do not use water to extinguish it. Water conducts electricity, and you could get an electric shock. Use an extinguisher that is approved for use on electric fires.
  • Flickering lights, warm, cracked, or sparking outlets all indicate electric problems.
  • If circuits trip, fuses blow, someone gets a shock, your home has an electric problem. Get an electric inspection.
  • Do not overload outlets, use an extension cord as a permanent wiring solution, or use light bulbs that are not rated for the socket.
  • Contact an electrician about installing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). An AFCI monitors the flow of electricity in your home. If the flow of electricity is irregular and could cause a fire, the AFCI shuts off electricity. An AFCI costs around $35, plus the cost of professional installation. The cost also depends on the size of your home and how many circuit breakers you have.
  • Inspect electric plugs and cords annually. If they are frayed or cracked, repair or replace them.  Do not place cords under rugs, or staple or nail them to the wall.

Safety Tips During an Outage

Downed Power Lines


PL

Never go near downed power lines. 

- A downed power line can still be energized and can cause other things around it to become potentially hazardous. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energized for several thousand yards and it poses a threat to anyone coming into contact with it.
- Stay away from puddles of water that could be in contact with downed lines. Encountering these can be as hazardous as coming into contact with the downed power line itself.
- If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and call 911.
- Also when driving, be careful at intersections where traffic lights may be out. Stop at all railroad crossings and treat road intersections with traffic signals as four-way stops before proceeding with caution.

 

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

 

cold

 

  • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
    • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways. 
    • Sand to improve traction.
    • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
    • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
  • Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when a storm hits, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
    • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
    • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
    • ​Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
  • Stay indoors.
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways. 
    • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
    • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
    • Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
    • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
    • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. 
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
Generator Safety

 Generator

When using your generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Read all safety instructions.
  • When a generator is not properly installed, it can "backfeed" through the transformer. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger.
  • Isolate your generator from the co-op's power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
  • If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
  • Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
  • Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

Have an Outage!

Please report it! Call/Text us 24/7

866-878-5514

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Contact Info

See our office locations by clicking HERE

Mailing address for payments only:
P.O. Box 63045 
Charlotte, NC 28263-3045

Mailing address for all non-payment correspondence:
P.O. Box 7
Crewe, VA 23930

Phone# - 1-800-552-2118
Outage# - 866-878-5514

 

 

Our Mission

To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

 
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  • Home
  • My Cooperative
    • About SEC
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Meeting Minutes & Documents
    • Capital Credits
    • Broadband
    • Office Locations
    • Newsletters
  • Member Services
    • My Account
    • EZpay
    • Membership Application
    • Programs & Services
    • Net Metering
    • Vegetation Management
      • Overview
      • Line Maintenance
      • Brush Control
      • Aerial Trim
      • Planting Tips
    • Rates & Fees
    • Insurance Claim Form
  • My Community
    • Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour
    • Day in the Life of a Lineworker
    • United We Light: Project Bolivia
    • Energy Assistance
    • Careers
    • For Kids
      • Kids Corner
    • Southside Opportunity Fund Golf Classic
    • Community Workshops
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Texting
    • Outage Center
    • Overhead Line Safety
    • Generator Safety
    • Outage & Storm Preparedness
    • Fire Safety
    • Major Outage FAQs
    • VA 811
    • VA Department of Emergency Management
  • Save Energy
    • Ways to Save
    • Electric Vehicles
  • Government Relations
    • VMDAEC Legislative Map
    • Who's My Legistator?
    • CO-OPS VOTE
    • Virginia Department of Elections
    • Virginia Public Access Project
    • Path To U.S Citizenship
    • VMDAEC Legislative Guide