| Safety News |
Co-op reminds members to work and play safe around power lines
Spring has sprung and it is the responsibility of everyone to stay safe as they start enjoying the fresh air. Everywhere you look children are playing and parents and contractors are working on landscaping and home improvement projects. FEC reminds everyone how important it is to take precautions when electrical power lines, equipment and substations are near.
“Even brief contact with electric lines can injure or kill. The more information our members have, the safer children, parents and contractors will be outdoors,” says Steve Bech, Safety Manager for FEC.
Following are a few simple tips to keep you safe outside:
- Take the time to talk to your kids about the dangers of electricity. Reinforce safety habits and tell kids to stay away from those “green boxes” (transformers) and “cool wires and towers behind the fence” (substations). Tell them to look up before climbing trees to make sure there are no electrical wires touching the branches. And, tell them to never climb utility poles!
- Only use extension cords that are marked for outdoor use.
- Always keep yourself and equipment, such as ladders or heavy machinery at least 10 feet away from power lines. Call FEC at 751-4483 if you need to work within the 10 foot parameter.
If you have to dig underground, call UDIG at 755-8344 in Kalispell, or 800-551-8344 in Libby two days prior to digging. FEC professionals are able to mark the ground where lines are located.
2005
May
Roundup For Safety
Report
Applications Received
& Approved:
Flathead Care
MADD Program $1,775.00
Camp Nurse $1,000.00
Cayuse Prairie School
Playground Equipment $7,500.00
Rails to Trails
Bike Path $10,000.00
Boys and Girls Club
Safety Building Specifications $10,000.00
Creston Elementary School
Gym Mats $1,674.00
Fencing $1,451.00
Helena Flats School
Lighting $1,800.00
2 Applications
Denied
Roundup For Safety is a voluntary program for FEC members. Participating members allow their electric bill to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community safety projects.
Applications from non-profit groups are considered each month by a board of directors representing each Co-op district.
For information and application forms, call 751-4483 in Kalispell and 293-7122 in Libby.
Updated:Monday, June 20, 2005