Know what’s below. Anytime you are doing a project that involves excavation there is the potential of hitting utility lines. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but you are responsible for the cost of any damages to the lines. Call 8-1-1 before you begin a project, they will notify the PUD which can locate utility lines in the work area.
Appliances & Equipment
- Teach children to stay away from power lines, substations, and transformers.
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed wires.
- Be careful to keep drones, Mylar balloons, kites, and other flying objects far away from substations, power lines and other electrical equipment. Never attempt to retrieve anything from a substation or power line. This can cause serious harm to you and those around you. If you need help retrieving anything from a substation, call our Outage Line at (509) 422-3310.
- Do not cut or trim branches that are in contact with power lines. Call Okanogan PUD if concerned about the power lines near or in your trees.
- Always watch out for overhead wires and power lines when using a ladder, pool skimmer, or any long object. Make sure tools are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier wiring, special insulation, and three-way grounded plugs.
- Electric-powered mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass, or in wet conditions.
- Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. Stop using it immediately if damaged. Repair it or replace it. Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use.
- Don't leave plugged in appliances where they might fall in contact with water.
- If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out - even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance.
- If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson.
- Don't leave plugged in appliances where they might fall in contact with water.
- If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out - even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance.
- If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson.
- If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced
- Never use any electric appliance in the tub or shower
- Never insert objects into an appliance without disconnecting it.
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs.
- Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised.
- Remember to turn off and unplug when not in use.
Before you purchase, install and use a generator during a power outage, check for these safety issues:
Backfeed: Never plug a generator into an electrical outlet- this could cause backfeed, which sends electricity from the generator, through the home’s wiring, out through the electric meter and energizes the power lines. Backfeed can injure or kill a utility worker repairing a power line.
Transfer Switch: When operating a generator, connecting appliances that are hard-wired to the house’s wiring system requires the use of a transfer switch. The switch will mechanically disconnect the household’s circuit from the utility’s power grid.
A transfer switch MUST be used to avoid backfeed into the utility’s power grid and is required by electric code.
Installation: Electric code requires that a licensed electrician install stationary generators that are permanently wired to the household’s electrical system. The owner of the generator must acquire an electrical permit, and the unit must be inspected.
Please contact WA State L&I for an inspection: (509) 886-6500