Safety Tips

Indoor Safety

• Don’t use electrical appliances around wet areas like bathtubs or sinks.
• Dry your hands before using electrical appliances.
• Keep electric heaters on level surfaces and 6-8 feet from furniture, curtains and drapes.


Wires/Fuses/Outlets

• Use childproof covers for outlets.
• Only insert electrical plugs into outlets.
• Inspect electrical/extension cords for wear and tear.
• Flickering lights, unusual smells and power interruptions could be signs that there is a problem – check all appliances and panels.
• The third prong on extension cords is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of electrocution or shock and should never be bent back or removed.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are difficult to detect. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and poisonous gas.

• Have chimneys, heating vents and furnaces professionally cleaned and maintained.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

Natural Gas Safety Tips

• If you smell natural gas – leave your home immediately and call your gas provider from another location. Do not use your cell phone! Arcing or sparks could ignite gases.
• Don’t store cleaning supplies, paint or chemicals near natural gas appliances, such as water heaters, dryers, stoves or furnaces.

Heating

• Have a licensed, qualified heating technician maintain your furnace or heating system.
• Change heating system filters to keep air passing through.
• Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

Source: Safe Electricity

• Improperly installed emergency power generators can expose your family to carbon monoxide poisoning and our crews to severe injury – or even death. For more information, contact Cobb EMC's Electrical Engineering team at 770-429-2100.
• Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. This can cause backfeeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs. Have a licensed electrician install the equipment necessary to safely connect emergency generators to your home.
• Operate generators outdoors and away from open windows, vents or doors to eliminate exposure to hazardous fumes.
• Store gasoline and other flammable liquids outside and away from heat and electrical sources.
• Never refuel while the generator is running. To minimize the danger of fire, turn it off and let it cool at least 10 minutes.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup in the home, outside each sleeping area.

If you receive an unexpected call or knock on your door from someone who claims to be a Cobb EMC employee, beware. Scammers are increasingly targeting our members by phone, email or in person pretending to be Cobb EMC employees. These imposters tell you your power will be disconnected in 30 minutes unless you pay now, or they offer to sell you products and services to reduce your electricity bill. Scammers have also claimed to be contractors representing Cobb EMC, offering to trim your trees in exchange for payment. Protect yourself from scams by following these guidelines.

We also encourage you to stay safe online with these cybersecurity tips. 

To add an extra level of security to your account, we offer two-factor authentication (2FA). This feature provides strong protection against unauthorized access, which reduces the risk of fraud and will help prevent cyberattacks. Sign up by looking under My Profile when logged in to your account. 

811 is the national Call Before You Dig phone number. It was created to help prevent people from coming into contact with underground utility lines during digging projects. Contact with lines can mean shock, injury or even death.

• The first step in safe digging is to Call 811. In Georgia, it’s the law. Make sure to call 811 three business days before a digging project, no matter how small.
• Tell the 811 operator where you plan to dig and what type of work you will be doing. They will route you to a local utility locating service.
• After calling 811, a professional will come to your digging location to mark underground public utility lines with flags and/or spray paint. This service is free of charge.
• Download the Georgia 811 EDEN app to view, respond to and check the status of locate requests from your iPhone. 

Other landscaping safety tips

• Look above for power lines and be mindful when using ladders, pool skimmers and other tall objects.
• Stay at least 10 feet from power lines connected to or near your home.
• Never trim trees or bushes near power lines. We have professionals to safely and expertly handle this task.
• Do not use indoor extension cords while performing outdoor work. Only use those rated for outside use.
• Do not use electric equipment or yard tools if it is raining or the ground is wet. Electric equipment should be kept at least 10 feet from wet areas.
• Ensure that your outdoor outlets are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. If they are not, have them installed or use a portable GFCI.

Transformers

• Although transformer boxes located in the yards of many homes are safe, they can be deadly if someone reaches inside. If you find a transformer box open or damaged, call Cobb EMC immediately at 770-429-2100.
• Never climb on or near transformer boxes.
• When planting trees or shrubs, maintain 10 feet of clearance from the front of the transformer and one to three feet on all other sides to allow Cobb EMC access. Maintaining clearance also keeps roots from interfering with underground lines running to the transformer. Please refer to the sticker located on the transformer for clearance guidelines.

During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed with outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. According to the CDC, people can suffer heat- related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. During extreme heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.

• Stay informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.
• Stay cool: If you do not have access to an air-conditioned space, visit a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.
• Stay hydrated/DRESS APPROPRIATELY: Drink fluids regularly, regardless of activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.   Don’t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check on elderly friends and neighbors.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Decorating

• Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant holiday decorations.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations.
• Use lights as directed that have an independent testing laboratory label. Some are only for indoor or outdoor use – not both.
• Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Do not leave lights up year round.

Entertaining

• Keep an eye on the range. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.
• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to operate it.

Fireplaces

• Before lighting a fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area and check to see that the flue is open.
• Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It can start flash fires.
• Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting anything nearby.

Fireworks

• Around the Fourth of July holiday, 230 people on average go to the emergency room each day with fireworks related injuries. Keep your children safe and do not allow them to play with fireworks.
• Even so called "harmless" fireworks can pose injuries. Sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees and often cause injuries.
• If fireworks do not ignite, never try to re-light them.

Sources: National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission