Call Before You Dig

Power Line Safety

Generator Safety

Battery Storage Safety

Surge Protection

Circuit Breakers

Call Before You Dig

Before you dig anywhere—whether it’s your yard, sidewalk, or even the road—there might be underground utility lines like power lines. Calling before you dig helps ensure these lines are marked so you can avoid damaging them or causing injury. Most importantly, it can help save lives.

In Oregon, it’s required by law to call before digging.

How It Works:

• Call Ahead: A few days before you plan to dig, call Oregon 811 by dialing 811 or 1-800-332-2334, or go online at digsafelyoregon.com.
• Provide Details: Tell the operator where you’re digging, how to contact you, and what kind of work you’re doing.
• Utility Companies Are Notified: Companies with underground lines in your area will be informed.
• Marking the Lines: A locator from each company will come out within two business days to mark where the underground utilities are. The marks will follow a color-coding system.
• You Don’t Need to Be Home: Unless you have questions, need to keep pets inside, or have locked gates, you don’t need to be there when they mark the lines.
• Wait for the Response: Give the utilities enough time to respond and mark the lines.
• Check the Markings: Make sure all utilities have responded and marked the lines.
• Dig Carefully: Respect the markings and dig carefully around the utilities.

Call Before You Dig Color Codes

Power Line Safety

Accidentally touching a power line can be very dangerous, even deadly. Salem Electric wants to help you stay safe around power lines.

Keep a Safe Distance

Whether you’re playing outside or working on a home project, always stay far away from power lines and electrical equipment. Here’s what to remember:

• Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers, and electrical boxes.
• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Don’t fly kites, drones, or balloons near power lines.
• If something gets stuck in a power line, don’t try to get it down. Call Salem Electric for help.
• Keep a safe distance from power lines when using ladders or tools.
• Never touch or go near a downed power line.
• Stay away from anything that might be touching a downed power line, like a car.
• Keep kids and pets away from downed lines or other electrical hazards.

Power Line Hazards and Vehicles

If a power line falls on a car, follow these steps:

• Stay inside the car. It’s the safest place.
• Warn others to stay away from the car and power line.
• Call 911 and Salem Electric for help.
• If the car catches fire, you may need to exit. Open the door, but don’t step out. Instead, jump clear of the car, making sure you don’t touch both the car and the ground at the same time. Once clear, shuffle away with both feet close together. Stay at least 50 feet away.
• Never try to help someone in the car while you’re standing on the ground.

Portable Generator Safety

Protect yourself, your family, and utility workers by following these steps.

• Turn off the main breaker before starting your generator. This stops electricity from going back into the power grid and keeps utility workers safe.
• Never plug the generator into a wall socket Plug items directly into the generator or have a qualified electrician install an approved generator inlet with a transfer or lock-out switch.
• Use your generator outside in a dry, open area. Its exhaust gives off carbon monoxide, which is fatal if it builds up inside.

Battery Storage Safety

Protect yourself, your family, and utility workers by following these steps.

• Have a professional install your battery storage system to avoid electrical hazards or fire risks.
• Check the system regularly for damage and follow the maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.
• Switch off the main breaker and use a transfer switch to prevent power from feeding back into the lines, just like with a generator.
• Keep the battery storage unit in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat to avoid fire hazards.

Surge Protection

These days, almost every home electronic device needs surge protection. Power surges are quick bursts of electricity that can damage your electronics, even though they only last a fraction of a second. It is important to protect your equipment.

Salem Electric is not responsible for damage due to power surges that are beyond the reasonable control of the cooperative. We recommend using surge protection for any equipment that could be damaged by these power spikes.

What causes power surges?

Surges can happen for many reasons, like:

• Lightning strikes
• High-powered equipment being turned on or off
• Trees falling on power lines
• Even static electricity inside your home

Which electronic devices need surge protection?

Common items that need protection include:

• Computers
• TVs
• DVD players
• Stereos
• Garage door openers
• Satellite receivers
• Home security systems
• Microwaves

Check the owner’s manual for your devices—they usually tell you if a surge protector is recommended.

How to Reset Your Circuit Breakers

Find Your Circuit Panel: Your circuit panel is usually in the garage or near your electric meter. In apartments, it might be in a utility or storage closet.

Find the Tripped Breaker: Circuit breakers are small switches, often labeled “kitchen,” “bathroom,” or “water heater”. A tripped breaker will be in the “off” position or somewhere in between “on” and “off.”

Reset the Breaker: Flip the breaker all the way to “off” first, then back to “on.” This should fix the issue and turn the power back on.

If the Breaker Keeps Tripping: If the breaker trips again, there might be too many things plugged in, a damaged cord, or an issue with the wiring or outlets.

Important Safety Warnings

• If the breaker keeps tripping, call an electrician.
• When resetting the breaker, for safety, use one hand and stand to the side.
• Electricity can be dangerous. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional.