Electrical Safety

The safety of our crews and member-consumers is a top priority at East-Central Iowa REC (ECI REC). Electricity is powerful and potentially dangerous. We encourage everyone to understand—and share—these basic electrical safety rules.

Electrical Safety Guidelines

  • Treat all power lines as dangerous, even if they appear inactive.
  • Keep objects away from power lines, including ladders, antennas, kites, and tools.
  • Never touch, move, or attempt to raise power lines. Power lines are not insulated and can cause serious injury or death.
  • Report potential hazards to ECI REC, including trees growing into power lines.
  • Stay far away from downed power lines. Call ECI REC immediately at 877-850-4343.
  • Never touch a person or object that is in contact with a power line.
  • Shut off power at the main switch or fuse before working on wiring or electrical equipment. If you are unsure, contact a qualified electrician.
  • Investigate the cause before resetting a tripped breaker or replacing a blown fuse. Look for damaged wires, faulty outlets, or defective appliances.
  • Install GFCI outlets in areas where water may be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor locations.
  • If your vehicle strikes a utility pole, remain inside the vehicle until help arrives—unless there is immediate danger, such as fire.

Safety Videos

Safety Education

A healthy respect for electricity is important at every age. ECI REC is committed to proactive safety education to help prevent accidents and injuries. We regularly visit schools and community groups to share practical, easy-to-understand electrical safety information. Our interactive demonstrations are designed for a wide range of audiences, including:

  • Schools and youth groups
  • Scouts and clubs
  • Community organizations
  • Business lunch-and-learn events

Student presentations feature a small-scale farmstead model with live power, illustrating the real-world consequences of unsafe behavior around electricity. To schedule a high-wire or high-voltage safety demonstration—or to learn more about our safety programs—contact ECI REC at 877-850-4343.

Electrical safety demonstration images