Electricity And Water Don鈥檛 Mix
With warmer temperatures on the horizon and large amounts of snow across much of its service area, Otter Tail AOA体育平台 Company reminds customers and neighbors that electricity and water don鈥檛 mix.
High water levels and flooded areas could increase the potential for accidental contact with electricity. Otter Tail AOA体育平台 Company鈥檚 Safety Services Manager Greg Overland advises residents and visitors to the area to stay away from water that may be in contact with any electrical component, such as a pad-mount transformer or a downed power line.
鈥淭hat includes flooded basements,鈥� says Overland. 鈥淒on鈥檛 go there if the water level has reached any part of the electrical system, such as electrical outlets or the electrical connections on water heaters, water softeners, heating systems, etc. Don鈥檛 attempt to operate appliances or equipment with water-compromised electrical components without first having them evaluated by a qualified electrician.鈥�
Here are some other safety tips:
- Don鈥檛 use power tools or other electrical appliances in damp or wet areas.
- Don鈥檛 even consider going near a downed power line.
- Don鈥檛 connect a portable generator directly to your home鈥檚 wiring and never plug it into a regular household outlet. If you must use a generator, ensure you have adequately sized power cords to support the electrical load and that your generator is properly grounded. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer鈥檚 other instructions for safely operating a portable generator.
- Call Otter Tail AOA体育平台 Company鈥檚 800-257-4044 customer service number for advice or assistance if you must evacuate your home or business and don鈥檛 know how to shut off your main breaker or fuse box.
A public safety official, which may include the mayor, incident commander, or fire chief, can disconnect power in an emergency. 鈥淚f your home has been without electrical service, either at your request, public safety official order, or due to a flood-related power interruption, electrical codes may require an electrical inspector鈥檚 wiring certificate before we can reenergize your home,鈥� says Overland. You can find more information at聽otpco.com/safety.
Overland also warns that high water levels could reduce power line clearances in some areas. He urges emergency responders to be especially alert when their work in flooded areas might put them in contact with energized electrical equipment including overhead lines, transformers, and substations.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to us that our employees, customers, and neighbors remain safe and able to do the things they want to do,鈥� adds Overland. 鈥淲ithout being hampered by an injury that could have been avoided.鈥�