Safety Tips & Awareness

Safety is our number one priority—for our members, our employees, and the entire community.

From avoiding downed power lines to ensuring proper home wiring and generator use, we provide the knowledge you need to live safely with electricity every day. Take a few moments to explore these resources and keep your co-op community safe!

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Safety:
Our Top Priority

Electricity is a powerful and essential part of modern life, but it demands respect. This page is your comprehensive resource for practical tips and awareness designed to protect you, your family, and your home from potential electrical hazards.

Remember, whether it's inside your home or outdoors, electrical safety should always be your number one priority. Explore the resources on this page to learn more about how you can stay safe around electricity.

Downed Power Lines

Power Outage Safety

Generators

Stray Voltage

Grain Bins

Home Safety

Digging

If You See a Downed Line

Never approach a downed power line. The ground around the line can be energized, creating what is called "step potential" (voltage differences in the soil that can cause electrocution).

Stay Back: Maintain a distance of at least 50 feet—the length of a school bus.
Call for Help: Immediately call 911 and then notify Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative (RVEC).
Warn Others: Keep people, pets, and children away from the area until a utility crew secures the scene.

If You Are in a Vehicle or Equipment that Contacts a Power Line

Do not get out! Your vehicle may be the safest place to be.

If the vehicle is NOT on fire, STAY INSIDE.
- Stay Calm: Remain in the cab and call 911 immediately. Report that a power line is down or in contact with your equipment. Wait for RVEC or emergency personnel to arrive and de-energize the line.
Exit if the vehicle IS on fire (LAST RESORT).
- Jump Clear: Fold your arms across your chest, make a clean hop or jump out of the vehicle without touching the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Shuffle or Hop Away: With your feet together, shuffle (slide your feet without lifting them) or hop at least 50 feet away to safety. Never run, as this creates step potential.

Power Outage Safety: How to Prepare and What to Do

Power outages, while often unavoidable, can be managed safely with the right preparation. These tips will help you prepare for and manage any length of power interruption.

Preparation: The Outage Kit Checklist
Gather these essential items before an outage occurs:
- Lighting: Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns (check batteries regularly). Never use candles.
- Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a non-cordless telephone or fully charged cell phone.
- First Aid: A stocked first aid kit and a supply of any essential prescription medicines.
- Food & Water: Bottled drinking water and non-perishable food (with a manual can opener).
During the Outage
- Report the Outage: Call RVEC to ensure we know your power is out. Check with neighbors; if their power is on, the issue may be a tripped breaker inside your home.
- Unplug Electronics: Unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, microwaves). This prevents damage from voltage surges when power is restored.
- Keep Fridge & Freezer Closed: A full freezer will keep food safe for about 48 hours, and a closed, full refrigerator for about 4 hours. Use dry ice for extended outages.
- Generator Safety: If you use a backup generator, ensure it is installed by a qualified electrician with a proper transfer switch. Never run a generator indoors or connect it directly to your home's wiring (known as "backfeeding"), as this endangers our line crews.
Food Safety Guidelines
- When in Doubt, Throw it Out: Never taste food to determine if it is safe.
- Discard: After four hours without power, throw away refrigerated perishables like meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, and eggs.
- Temperature Check: Food is safe only if an appliance thermometer shows it is still at 40°F or below.

Generator Safety: Protect Your Home and Our Linemen

Portable generators are essential for backup power, but they pose serious risks if not operated correctly. The two biggest threats are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and backfeeding electricity onto our lines.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hazard
Generator exhaust contains deadly, odorless carbon monoxide gas.
- Placement is Key: NEVER run a generator in an enclosed space, including your home, garage, or shed.
- Distance: Place the generator outdoors, far away from windows, doors, and vents (at least 15-20 feet away) to prevent exhaust from entering your home or a neighbor's home.
Backfeeding (The Lineman Killer)
Backfeeding is when electricity from your generator flows backward into RVEC's power lines. This can electrocute line workers attempting to restore service.
- NEVER plug a generator directly into a wall outlet or an appliance circuit.
- Proper Installation: If you plan to connect a generator to your home's electrical system, it MUST be installed by a qualified electrician using a manual transfer switch. This switch physically isolates your home from our electric system.
General Safety Tips
- Keep it Dry: Only operate a generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure to protect it from rain and moisture. Ensure your hands are dry before touching it.
- Cool Down Before Refueling: Always turn the generator off and allow the engine to cool before adding fuel to prevent a fire.
- Shut Down Properly: Before shutting off the generator, turn off and unplug all connected appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
- Keep Clear: Keep children and pets away from the generator.

Stray Voltage

Stray voltage (also known as neutral-to-earth voltage, or NEV) is a low-level electrical phenomenon that can affect livestock, particularly dairy cows, on the farm. While it is rarely a safety hazard to humans, it can cause discomfort to animals, leading to behavioral changes and potential impacts on production.

What is Stray Voltage?

Stray voltage is a small, measurable voltage (typically less than 1 volt) that exists between two contact points that an animal can touch simultaneously (e.g., a metal stall and the concrete floor). It results from the normal operation of a grounded electric distribution system, combined with factors on the farm like electrical systems, grounding, and wiring integrity.

Signs of Stray Voltage in Livestock

If your animals are exhibiting these signs, you may have an issue:

Reluctance to enter milking stalls or to drink from metal waterers.
Nervousness or twitching when touching metal equipment.
Decreased feed and water intake, leading to lower milk production or poor weight gain.
Incomplete milking or elevated somatic cell counts.

Safety and Solutions

RVEC encourages members to be proactive about their farm's electrical health. Addressing stray voltage often involves inspecting both the utility system and the on-farm wiring.

Contact RVEC First: If you suspect stray voltage, contact Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative immediately. We can schedule a free cooperative-side investigation to measure the voltage on our system entering your property.
Inspect On-Farm Wiring: The most common source of problematic voltage is poor or outdated on-farm wiring. Have a qualified electrician who specializes in agricultural wiring inspect and test your barn, milking parlor, and outbuildings for:
- Faulty or corroded grounding.
- Improperly sized neutrals or poor connections.
- Electrical shorts or current leakage.
Isolate Sources: Small appliances, faulty motors, and inadequate equipment grounding can all contribute to the problem.

If you observe any of the warning signs, call RVEC to begin.

The most severe hazards involve engulfment and electrocution.

Engulfment and Entrapment
Flowing grain can trap and suffocate a person in seconds. Once a person is covered up to their knees, they cannot free themselves.
- Never enter a grain bin while the grain is flowing or being unloaded.
- Always lock out the power (LOTO) to all unloading equipment (augers, conveyors) before entry.
- Always wear a safety harness secured to a lifeline when entering a bin.
- Never enter alone. Use a spotter who is physically capable of lifting and is trained to call for help.

Electrical Safety Around Bins
High-voltage power lines often run near or over farm sites, creating a severe electrocution risk when working on or near bins.
- Look Up: Before moving any portable equipment (augers, elevators) or working on the roof of a bin, be aware of all overhead power lines.
- Maintain Clearance: Ensure that all equipment and personnel maintain the required clearance distance from power lines.
- Call Before You Build: If you plan to construct a new grain bin or elevate an existing one, contact RVEC before starting construction. We can help assess the location and, if necessary, arrange for lines to be safely relocated or raised to meet clearance standards.

Appliances, Outlets, and Cords

Outlets & Circuits: Never overload outlets or circuits. If a circuit trips frequently, or if an outlet is warm to the touch, call a qualified electrician immediately.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Test all GFCI outlets (found in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages) once a month to ensure they are working properly to prevent severe shock.
Extension Cords: Use extension cords only as a temporary measure. Never run cords under rugs, over nails, or through doorways, as this can cause overheating and damage.
Space Heaters: Use portable heaters on a hard, non-flammable surface, and keep all flammable items (drapes, bedding, clothing) at least three feet away. Never leave them unattended.
Charging Devices: Use only manufacturer-approved chargers. Do not leave charging phones or devices under pillows or on soft bedding, as this can lead to overheating and fire. Keep all plugged-in devices away from water (sinks, bathtubs).

Child Safety

Outlet Covers: Install tamper-resistant outlets (required in all new construction since 2008) or use plastic safety plugs to cover all unused outlets.
Keep Cords Out of Reach: Ensure all power strips, surge protectors, and dangling cords are inaccessible to small children.

When to Call an Electrician

If you notice any of these symptoms, have a qualified electrician inspect your system:

Lights flicker frequently.
A persistent, burning electrical odor you can't locate.
Fuses blow or breakers trip regularly.
You have an older home (pre-1970s) that may not have the capacity for today's electrical demands.

What is Iowa One Call?

Iowa One Call is a free statewide notification system that helps prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure. When you contact them, they notify all registered member utilities in your area—including Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative (RVEC)—who then send professional locators to mark their lines on your property.

How and When to Contact Them

The law requires you to contact Iowa One Call a minimum of 48 hours before you start digging (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays).

What to Expect Next

Utilities are Notified: Iowa One Call processes your request and notifies all relevant utilities (electric, gas, communication, water, sewer).
Lines are Marked: Within the required 48-hour period, utility locators will visit your site and mark the location of their buried lines with colored paint or flags. RVEC's primary color is red for electric lines.
Dig Safely: Once all utilities have responded and marked their lines, you must respect the marks. The tolerance zone is 18 inches horizontally on either side of the marked utility line. Hand-digging is often required when working close to the marks.

Remember: Iowa One Call will only mark lines owned by the utility. Private lines (like those running from your electric meter to a detached garage, or a private gas grill line) will not be marked and are the homeowner's responsibility to locate.

Call: Simply dial 811 from any phone.

Online: Submit your locate request ticket at IowaOneCall.com.

Home Electrical Safety Checklist

Your home should be a safe haven, but hidden electrical hazards can put your family and property at risk. At Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative (RVEC), we want you to have peace of mind.

This comprehensive, room-by-room checklist, provided by our partners at Touchstone Energy, is a powerful tool to help you identify and correct common electrical problems. By taking a few minutes to complete this inspection, you can prevent fires, shocks, and keep your home safe and sound.

Download the Checklist

Homeward: Your Guide to Home Energy Savings and Safety in Rural Iowa

Homeward, Inc., serviced by Region 12 Council of Governments, is your trusted resource for improving your rural Iowa home. Explore the Home Energy Adventure tour to start saving money, find resources for home safety, and learn about the Construction Financing Program.

Visit Homeward Today!