Your safety is our priority
Because we care about the safety of you and your family, Midland Power Cooperative is active in the educating about and promoting electrical safety. We provide educational programs, have developed a number of safety web sites, and have tips to share with you. Read on for information and links that may be of interest to you and your family. And, of course, you can always contact us for more information on any of these topics.
We offer educational and safety programs:
Midland Power Cooperative actively promotes electrical and farm safety education to elementary and high school students and to consumers in our area.
- We participate in Farm Safety Day with Kids 4 Safety.
- Our employees also enjoy visiting area schools and organizations to demonstrate the importance of electrical safety. Call us at 515.386.4111 or 800.833.8876 to schedule a presentation.
- Last year, we provided Get Charged safety kits to schools in our service territory. We have additional kits that are available to home-schooled students to check out. Contact Colleen Newell at 515.386.4111 or email Colleen.
We offer online resources:
- Just For KidsThis page includes links to numerous sites that educate kids and supply resources to teachers.
- Electrical Safety at Home and Work This site includes how-to information on indoor and outdoor electrical projects and case studies of tragedies and how to avoid those same mistakes.
- Electrical Safety Foundation International This site includes safety for home, work, and educators, as well as seasonal tips and brochures.
- Electricity.org This site includes tips, news articles, videos, teacher materials, and much more.
- National Food and Energy Council Information on grain bin clearances. If you are planning to install a grain bin, check out this resource to help you plan for electrical safety. We have additional information in our article on Grain Bin Safety.
- Iowa One Call If you are planning on doing any building or landscaping, you will need to call Iowa One Call at least 48 hours prior to any digging. This allows your local utilities to mark any underground wires, etc. This is for your safety and will help to eliminate interruption of service. The number is toll-free: 800.292.8989 or visit Iowa One Call.
Our Top 10 list of electrical safety tips:
10. Keep all objects (ladders, farm equipment) at least 10 feet away from power lines
9. Be aware of power line locations when moving farm equipment and know what to do if you come in contact with lines.
8. Never attempt to move or raise electric lines; instead, call Midland Power Cooperative for assistance.
7. Do not attempt to remove items (fallen tree branches, kites, etc.) from power lines
6. Plant trees at least 30 feet away from power lines so the tree won't eventually grow into the lines.
5. Install and repair electrical outlets and appliances using precautions and safety measures, including shutting off power (and testing to be sure power is off), safety equipment and tools, and/or hiring a licensed electrician to do the job.
4. Follow safety procedures if your equipment or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, including: 1) try to drive out from under it if you can or 2) stay in place and have someone call for help immediately or 3) if you must leave the vehicle: jump clear without making contact with the ground and vehicle at the same time.
3. Read and follow all safety instructions that come with appliances you purchase and use.
2. Have a family plan outlining what to do in case of electrical emergency. For example, call 911 for injuries or electrical fires, and stay away from downed power lines.
1. Call Midland Power Cooperative immediately if you see an electrical hazard. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day; call 515.386.4111 or 800.833.8876.
Additional resources on safety:
Farm Safety Just 4 Kids
Farm safety awareness for children
National Fire Protection Association
Check out these fact sheets