Safety Tips

Safety is our Top Priority

At Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, your safety is our top priority. We’re committed to providing reliable power while helping you stay informed and protected. Follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe around electricity:

WREC Safety Tips

Down Power Lines

Stay Away From Down Power Lines

Stay Back at Least 50 Feet – Electricity can travel through the ground and objects.
Power lines should be considered energized and dangerous.
Do Not Touch Anything Nearby – Even items like fences, trees, or vehicles can be energized.
Do not place antennas, swings, sheds, trees, boats, etc. near power lines.
Avoid Water – Wet ground or puddles near the line can conduct electricity.
Warn Others – Keep people and pets away from the area.
Report It Immediately – Call WREC at (352) 567-5133 and dial 911 if it’s an emergency.
If a Vehicle Is Involved – Tell the driver to stay inside until help arrives. If they must exit due to fire, jump clear without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Land on both feet at the same time then slide feet on ground without lifting them until 50 feet away.

View our Down Power Line Safety Brochure Here

Puget Sound Energy has created a very informative video on downed power line safety. You can watch it at : Downed power line safety video.

Call 811

Call 811 Before You Dig

Call 811 at Least Two Business Days Before You Dig – It’s the law and the safest way to avoid underground utilities.
Wait for Utility Markings – Professionals will mark the location of underground lines with color-coded flags or paint.
Respect the Marks – Dig carefully and stay within the designated safe zones.
Plan Ahead for All Projects – Even small jobs like planting trees or installing a mailbox can hit buried lines.
Never Assume You Know What’s Underground – Lines can be closer to the surface than expected.

Look Up

Look Up For Safety

Before using ladders, trimming trees, or working on roofs, check for overhead lines.
Keep ladders, tools, and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines.
Teach children never to climb trees near power lines.
If a tree has branches touching or near lines, do not attempt to trim it yourself—call WREC.
Always look up before lifting poles, pipes, or tall equipment.
Maintain safe clearance when moving large vehicles or machinery.

Water Safety

Water and Electricity Don't Mix

Never use electrical appliances near sinks, bathtubs, pools, or outdoors in wet conditions.
Always make sure your hands are completely dry before plugging in or unplugging devices.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas to prevent shock hazards.
Avoid using extension cords or power tools in wet or rainy conditions.
Keep outdoor outlets covered and protected from moisture.
If an appliance falls into water, do not reach for it—unplug it first from a dry location.
Never swim near docks or boats plugged into shore power. Electricity can leak into the water from faulty wiring and cause paralysis or drowning.
When it comes to boating. Make sure all shore power cords and connections are in good condition and properly grounded. Replace damaged cords immediately—never use frayed or cracked cables. Disconnect shore power during thunderstorms and avoid contact with electrical equipment when wet.

To view our Water Safety Tip Brochure, Click Here. For Spanish Click Here.

Educate Children

Educate Children on Electrical Safety

Don’t climb trees, poles, or fences near power lines.
Stay away from utility equipment and substations.
Always fly kites, drones, and model airplanes in open areas far from power lines.
If something gets stuck in a line, never try to get it down—tell a parent or adult and have them call WREC.
Never open or touch electrical boxes, meters, or transformers.
Don’t use electronics near pools, sinks, or wet areas.
Never touch cords or plugs with wet hands.
If you see a downed power line or damaged equipment, tell an adult immediately.

To view our Kids and Trees Safety Brochure, Click Here. For Spanish Click here.

To Visit our Youth Safety Zone Click Here To Visit the Energy Explorers Club Click Here

Pet Safety

Pet Safety Tips

Pets love to chew! Secure or hide electrical cords to prevent shocks and burns.
Use cord protectors or bitter-tasting sprays to discourage chewing.
Unplug appliances when you’re away to reduce the risk of accidents.
Use outlet covers in areas where pets roam to prevent paws or noses from getting too close.
Ensure water bowls and aquariums are far from electrical outlets and cords.
Dry pets thoroughly before they come near plugged-in devices.
Check cords and plugs for damage—replace frayed or chewed wires immediately.
Do not let your pets dig near electrical equipment.

Indoor Safety

Indoor Safety Tips

If plugs seem to fit loosely into a wall outlet, the wall outlet needs repair. A loose fitting wall outlet may cause overheating. Have an electrician check the outlet.
Use only extension cords that have been listed by a recognized certification organization.
Make sure cords are in good condition – not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object and they should not have any furniture resting on them.
Check to see that extension cords are not overheated. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not safe as permanent household wiring.
Make sure the proper-type plug is in each outlet. If you are using three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut off the ground pin (the third/bottom prong) from the plug; this could lead to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong adapter. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN’T FIT. This could lead to fire or shock. Plugs should fit securely into outlets, and outlets should not be overloaded.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent many electrocutions. GFCIs are devices installed in kitchen and bathroom outlets. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are working properly. Need to install a GFCI? Contact a licensed electrician for professional installation.
Check the wattage of all light bulbs in lighting fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don’t know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct sizes for the circuits. If you do not know the correct size fuse, have an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used. Never replace a fuse with anything but another correct size fuse.
If one appliance repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker, or if it has emitted an electric shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
Water and electricity don’t mix. Don’t place any electrical appliances near water, i.e., a sink or a bathtub. Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and don’t use it until it’s been checked by a qualified repair person.
Check to see that all entertainment/computer equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors.

To view our Safety in The Kitchen Brochure, Click Here. For Spanish, Click Here

Outdoor Safety Tips

Never remove the third prong of a three-pronged plug. It can protect you from electrical shock. Instead, convert two-pronged outlets to fit three-pronged plugs using an adapter with a ground tab.
Turn off electrical products if a cord overheats.
Use only weather-resistant heavy gauge extension cords marked “For Outdoor Use.”
Be sure amperage ratings for outdoor extension cords are higher than those electrical products they are used with. Check owners manuals and electrical labels.
Outdoor electrical products should be:
- Plugged in and turned on only when in use
- Never left unattended outdoors
- Turned off when being carried or being hooked up to attachments like mower baskets or saw blades
Never remove safety guards from lawnmowers, power tools, etc.
Unless you are a qualified electrician, never try to repair electrical products yourself.
Use safety goggles when operating lawn equipment and wear special safety gear suggested in power tool manuals.
Clean up the area before mowing the lawn or using electrical clippers or trimmers.
Keep cords out of your path or work area. Throwing the cord over your shoulder may help.
Keep outdoor outlets and electrical products covered and dry between uses.
Select a dry day to power up outdoors.
If an electrical tool falls into a pool or pond, unplug it first. Do not reach into the water for it.
Put a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) between your electric power source and your electric tool. In a mishap, a GFCI can cut off power in less than a second. A GFCI is an electrical device that can protect you from electrical shock and may prevent fires. They should be installed in kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor receptacles. You may have a GFCI built into your outdoor outlets. Or they may be in your mower, trimmer or drill. (Check your owner’s manual.)
No GFCI? Contact a licensed electrician for professional installation.

To view our Home Safety Brochure, Click Here. For Spanish, Click here.

Together, We stay safe.

For Generator Safety Click Here

For Hurricane Safety Tips Click Here

For our Hurricane Preparedness Guide Click Here

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Safety Tips

Safety is our Top Priority

At Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, your safety is our top priority. We’re committed to providing reliable power while helping you stay informed and protected. Follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe around electricity:

WREC Safety Tips

Down Power Lines

Stay Away From Down Power Lines

Call 811

Call 811 Before You Dig

Look Up

Look Up For Safety

Water Safety

Water and Electricity Don't Mix

Educate Children

Educate Children on Electrical Safety

Pet Safety

Pet Safety Tips

Indoor Safety

Indoor Safety Tips

Outdoor Safety Tips

Outdoor Safety Tips

Together, We stay safe.

Contact Information

Helpful Links

WREC Podcast

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