Safety Tips

Keep children safe by installing tamper-resistant outlets or tamper-resistant receptacles (TROs or TRRs). Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to a fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates.

How can I childproof my home's electrical outlets?

• Do not overload cords. 
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring.
• Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries. 
• Place extension cord a "No trip zone" and never under carpets or rugs. 
• Connecting multiple cords or using damaged ones may cause overheating and fires.

• Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet. This could lead to an electrical shock. 
• NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. 
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.

GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs according to the manufacturer's instructions monthly and after major electrical storms to make sure they are working properly.

• Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. 
• Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. 
• Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely as loose bulbs may overheat.

Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse.

Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might fall in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water:

1.  NEVER reach in to pull it out-even if it's turned off. 
2. Turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. 
3. Don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person. 

All power tools should have a three-prong plug. Unplug small appliances when not in use (irons, toasters, etc.)

Call 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483) or visit Missouri One Call three working days before you dig to have all underground utilities located at no charge.

We care about the safety of you, your family, and your farm workers.

That's why we urge you to call us before you break ground on a new grain bin, barn, or other building.

Building a structure too close to overhead power lines can create an electric shock danger during and after construction.

Call us first. We'll work with you to ensure safe power line clearances for your addition. Call our Engineering Department at 800-262-0326.

Missouri's Electric Cooperatives have teamed up with Ameren Missouri to provide information and resources to our members and customers regarding dock safety. Use the resources below to stay informed on dock safety and do your part to ensure all dock users are Safe At The Lake!

DOCK OWNER SAFETY RULES:

• All docks need continual inspections by their owners.
• Flooding and water movement can cause wear on your dock's electrical equipment. Monthly ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) testing of electric equipment and bonding and grounding wires is recommended.
• During the winter and after a flood, wires and electrical outlets can deteriorate due to excess moisture, freezing, and thawing. Electrical equipment that worked well the prior season will need to be inspected before using the dock again.
• Have both the dock and the power supply to the dock regularly inspected by a qualified electrician. Electrical problems in or near the house and lines feeding the dock can cause life-threatening problems, even with docks that meet code and have been inspected.
• Never swim around a dock where breakers or GFCIs are tripping. HEED THE WARNING SIGNS! If in doubt, swim away from the dock and get out! If a breaker or GFCI trips, something is wrong and the dock should be considered unsafe until a qualified electrician inspects and fixes the problem.
• Never attempt to energize or re-energize a breaker, or reset a GFCI while someone is swimming near the dock. Get the dock inspected and fixed before using or swimming nearby.
• Do not touch any part of the dock or adjacent docks if a tingle or shock is felt. Exit the water away from the source of the shock. If possible, swim to the shoreline and exit there.

For additional information on dock electrical safety, contact your local fire district and visit SafeAtTheLake.com and SafeElectricity.org.

If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.

Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use. Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit.

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing, or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Consider using cooler fluorescent floor lamps.

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters, and radios) or telephones (except in an emergency). Do not take a bath or shower. Keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage. Use surge protectors on electronic devices, appliances, phones, fax machines, and modems.

Do not use outlets or switches that are hot to the touch. Call an electrician to have them replaced or repaired.

• Electrical Safety Foundation International
• Safe Electricity
• Outlet Safety

Winter weather can be extremely harsh to our members and to our power lines.  

Prepare! Don't let a winter storm or power outage take you by surprise. 

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips