Never climb or play on poles and guy wires that hold up electric wires on your street.

Never climb in trees that have electric wires running through them.

Never fly kites or model airplanes near electric wires.

Never touch electric wires

Never touch anything that runs on electricity when you are in the bathtub or swimming pool, or when you are wet, or when you are standing in water

Never let pets or children play with electric wires

**Call the power company if you see wires that are down**

Safety is everyone's job. As a member of Tri-County EMC you can provide a valuable service to the cooperative by observing and reporting hazardous conditions which may threaten electric service reliability or endanger public safety. Following are some of the conditions you should report to us immediately:
• Downed or low hanging power lines
• Kites or balloons entangled in power lines
• Broken insulators
• Broken power poles or dangerously leaning poles
• Antennas near power lines
• Dead or leaning trees in close proximity to power lines
• Vandalized equipment
• Cut wire or broken locks at electrical substations
• Unlocked underground electrical cabinets
• Any child climbing utility poles or substation fencing

Call Before You Dig
Underground utility lines lie 24-48 inches below the earth's surface. Even a minor excavating job could easily result in contact with underground power lines. Before starting any job that includes earth-moving call 1-800-548-4869 or 919-735-2611 for free identification of utility lines in the area.

Meter Tampering
Meter tampering is a serious crime that inflates electric rates and poses a lethal risk to public safety. Tri-County EMC has successfully obtained convictions in numerous cases thanks to tips provided by our members and employees.

Signs of meter tampering may include:

1) meter upside down; 2) cut or missing meter seal; 3) meter missing from socket while lights, heat or air are being used by occupant and 4) meter socket bypassed with jumpers.

First time offenders are subject to a $200 service charge as well as an increased security deposit and revenue reimbursement. Repeat offenders can be subject to service charges up to $500. If you suspect someone of meter tampering call TCEMC at 1-800-548-4869. Remember we want your information not your name.

Generators can be an invaluable source of power following a major storm.. To make the operation of a generator safe for our members Tri-County EMC offers the following guidelines:

•	Never connect a generator directly to the electrical system of any building without the installation of a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch as required by the National Electrical Code.
•	Always ground the generator's electrical system adequately to avoid electrocution.
•	Always operate a generator in a clean, dry, well ventilated area to avoid electrical shock and carbon monoxide poisoning.
•	Never use worn, damaged, undersized or ungrounded extension cords with a generator.
•	Place the generator on a low-conductivity surface such as a concrete slab before operating.
•	Never exceed the load capacity of a generator by attaching too many items or items with very high load ratings which could result in a fire.
•	Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running or hot. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool before adding fuel. Have a fire extinguisher in the immediate area certified to handle fuel fires.