May 2015

www.pioneerec.com

Putting Safety First

Throughout the Year

Pioneer is celebrating National Electrical Safety Month. While safety for our employees and members is top priority year-round, Electrical Safety Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of safety excellence.

This year, we're focusing on electrical safety in the home. Electricity is the cause of over 140,000 fires each year, resulting in more than 500 deaths, 4,000 injuries and 1.6 billion in property damage, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

There are many measures you can take to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Use these helpful tips from ESFI to safeguard your home.

Home Electrical System Safety

Extension Cord Safety

Power Up Safely During an Outage

One of the great things about the modern American electric grid is that power almost always flows when we need it. Given our dependence on electricity, it's understandable why portable generators are popular when the power goes out and stays out for a while.

But generators can cause more harm than good if not used properly. Here are a few safety tips to protect yourself and our linemen who are working to restore your power.

Never, ever plug a portable generator directly into one of your home's outlets unless you have had a licensed electrician install a "transfer switch" in your home. If you don't have a transfer switch, power provided by the generator can "backfeed" along power lines, which can electrocute a lineman working on those lines.
Portable generators create carbon monoxide, the odorless, colorless gas that can quickly become deadly if the generator isn't exhausted outside. Attached garages with an open door don't count--the carbon monoxide can still seep indoors and poison inhabitants. Generators must go outside in a dry area, which might mean you'll need to rig a canopy to protect it from precipitation at a safe distance from your home's windows, doors, and vents. How far is a safe distance? Even 15 feet can be too close.
Other things to keep in mind: Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty, an outdoor-rated extension cord, but don't overload it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maximum load. Shut off the generator before refueling, or a fire could start -- and it's a good idea to have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
One solution to safely using a generator outdoors is a product called Generlink. This device is installed behind your electric meter by Pioneer Electric Cooperative personnel. There's no need to rewire your home. With the GenerLink, you plug in your portable generator and turn on the appliances you need - easy, safe and convenient.

Use Generators Safely

Safety is a top priority at Pioneer Electric Cooperative,

for our employees and members alike!

Memorial Day - THANK YOU!

Office closed on Monday, May 25, to observe Memorial Day.

As always emergency service is available by calling

1-800-762-0997.

Everything we do revolves around YOU!

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