Safety Tips from Cordova Electric Cooperative

In the Home

• When your power goes out, call CEC at 424-5555. If it is after hours, call our emergency outage line at 424-5500.
• Before you dig on your property, call CEC. We’ll locate any underground power lines.
• DO NOT touch a fallen power line. Call Cordova Electric for assistance.
• Electrical lines and power meters can be lethal. Do not tamper with any line or meter.
• It is illegal to hang signs or posters from utility poles.
• Trim trees on your property to keep branches out of power lines.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes a flash light, batteries, candles, and a battery operated radio.
• Keep electrical cords away from sinks and bathtubs.
• Teach your children to stay away from electrical outlets.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.

Portable Electric Generators

Generators should be installed by a licensed electrician. Electricity produced by a portable generator can cause serious injury if connected directly into a breaker panel or fuse box. If you use a portable generator during an electrical outage, use extension cords to plug electrical devices into the generator.

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Wash clothes in cold water
• Use dishwashers for full loads only
• Install motion detectors that automatically turn off lights.
• Defrost your freezer when the ice is 1/4″ thick.
• Turn down the thermostat 6 degrees to reduce your bill by 20%.
• Take showers; they use half as much energy as baths.
• Close drapes during winter nights to conserve heat.
• Shorten cooking time by thawing frozen food.
• Vacuum coils on freezers and refrigerators monthly.
• Keep freezers full to maintain temperature.
• Do not overfill refrigerators.

For more information on safe and efficient use of our energy resorces, pick up a copy of “Meeting Cordova’s Energy Needs”, available at the CEC business office. Or try the Together We Save energy page for no-cost and low-cost tips for saving even more.