Cooperative members and the general public should never come into contact with electrical power lines. When potentially hazardous conditions are observed, Cooperative members and the general public should alert the Cooperative to the condition.

To learn more about our public safety policy, click here.

Space heaters can provide supplemental heat, but they also can present a safety and fire hazard. When purchasing a space heater, always choose a model with a guard in front of the heating device. This is an important safety feature as it keeps people from touching the hot surface. Always check that the space heater has been tested at an accredited laboratory to ensure it meets proper safety standards. Also consider the size of the space you want to heat when selecting a space heater. If the wrong size is purchased, it can waste energy.

Carefully read the manufacturer’s safety and operating information. Make sure everyone who will be using the space heater has read the directions as well. And, make sure the safety instructions are kept in a handy place where they can be referred to later.

It is important to remember to always turn off the space heater when not in use. When deciding where to place the space heater, make sure it is at least three feet from any flammable objects or chemicals. Also make sure nothing nearby can fall into the space heater and catch on fire. Place the space heater on a level, hard surface, never on carpet. This will keep it from tipping over and from starting a fire. In case the space heater should tip over, it is important to choose a model with a switch that will shut off the heater until it is turned upright again.

Pay attention when plugging in the heater as well. Make sure you are not plugging it in near places that may accumulate moisture. If a space heater gets wet it can become a shock hazard. Avoid using extension cords if possible with space heaters. Check that the plug fits into the outlet securely, a loose plug may overheat. If the plug feels warm, disconnect it immediately.

A portable electric generator can be a “life-saver” when faced with a lengthy outage, but if it is not installed and used properly, it also can cause serious injury and even death.

After Hurricane Katrina, for example, many people relied on generators. But improper use caused five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reported 51 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Follow these tips for safety:

• Be sure to follow all manufacturer directions for installation and operation. To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should provide correct grounding instructions.
• Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outdoors, where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home. Use a generator only in a well-ventilated and dry area located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
• Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator.
• Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator, using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug, and are in good condition. Do not run the extension cord(s) under rugs.
• Never connect generators directly to your home’s wiring. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting lineworker attempting to restore electric service.
• Never plug a generator into a household outlet.
• Do not refuel a generator while it is running.
• Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources, like water heater pilot lights.
• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
• Keep children and pets away from generators.

If your car comes in contact with an electric line, it's vitally important to know what to do...

• Remain inside your vehicle. If you are in your car, you are not part of electricity’s path, which always looks for the shortest way to the ground. Honk your horn to alert a passerby.
• If someone stops to help, roll down the window and warn them not to touch the car or the power line. Ask them to phone 911 and contact Gibson EMC immediately.
• Wait in your car until qualified electrical workers turn the power off and tell you it’s safe to leave the car.
• If you must leave the car because of fire or other danger, open the door and jump away from the vehicle so no part of your body touches the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Make sure to jump with both feet together so that your feet land on the ground at the same time.
• After you land with both feet together, shuffle away, keeping both feet in contact with the ground constantly.

Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? 811 is the number you should call before you begin any digging project.

The federally-mandated national "Call before You Dig" number, 811, was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects in Tennessee. For Kentucky, call the Hickman service center at 270-236-2521. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. Not calling can be life-threatening.

Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially become responsible for fines and repair costs. Smart digging means calling 811 before every job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for FREE.

Don't assume you know what's below. Protect yourself and those around you – Call 811 every time.