Elizabethton Electric Department | Safety and Environmental

TN One Call

Call Before You Dig

811 TN ONE CALL! It's the law! In the state of Tennessee, State Law requires anyone about to engage in either digging, excavation, moving of earth, demolition or any type of activity that disturbs the earth and therefore possibly involving a danger to damaging underground utility lines, to notify Tennessee One Call, of their intent to dig.

TN ONE CALL Mission Statement

To provide the best possible communication and notification service to prevent damage to underground utilities.

TN ONE CALL Purpose

Tennessee One-Call System, Inc., is a non-profit Tennessee corporation established in 1983, whose mission is to act as an advance notification service to operators of underground facilities anywhere within the state. Tennessee One-Call is governed by a Board of Directors and an Operating Committee. We are the only such service in Tennessee and are recognized as the "official" one-call service for the state of Tennessee.

Generator Safety

When the lights go out and you have your portable or fixed generator ready, please follow these common sense rules before connecting it to your electric service.

Report your power outage to the Elizabethton Electric Department by calling (423 542 1111) immediately. One call will be sufficient, repeat calls will simply overload the reporting system.
Never connect you generator directly to your house wiring, unless you have a properly installed, "double throw-over" switch. These switches completely disconnect the house electrical service from the Elizabethton Electric supplying source. This switch disconnects the energizing wires and neutral wire; this prevents power from your generator entering the Elizabethton Electric transmission lines. Without this switch power from your generator can travel to a transformer, which steps up the voltage and could create deadly voltages potentials for employees working on the lines to restore power.
PULLING THE METER OR TURNING OF THE MAIN BREAKER WILL NOT DISCONNECT THE NEUTRAL. The power you are creating from your generator sees the neutral as an open door to outside electrical supply. The first stop outside your house is the transformer where the electricity gets stepped up.
When connecting electrical equipment to your generator use electric cords of sufficient size (electric load carrying capacity) for the load required. Use separate cords for individual equipment.
Check your cords and replace any frayed or damaged cord.
Ground fault circuit interrupters are recommended if your generator is located in a damp or moist area.
Many home generators are powered by internal combustions engines, Carbon Monoxide results from these types of engines, so NEVER OPERATE A GENERATOR INDOORS, THE RESULTS ARE DEADLY.
Never refuel a hot engine, give the engine time to cool and take caution to avoid spills or over filling the tank.
Safety is our first priority. We will restore your power as quickly as possible. Be prepared in the event the power outage is protracted. Battery power lights, alternative cooking methods, alternative heat sources are good to have on hand and become familiar with their safe operation.

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Residential Generator Installation

Indoor Safety

Electrical outlets should be routinely checked for loose fitting plugs; these overheat and do cause fires.
Damaged or missing wall plates should be replaced.
Unused outlets should be covered with safety covers.
Any and all electric cords frayed or damage should be removed from service.
Extension cords should be used temporarily.
Always unplug items by pulling the head from the socket. Never pull an electric cord by the cord to unplug.
Do not place electrical cords under rugs or carpet, or nail to any surface.
Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from bedding, draperies, furniture, rugs and carpet, or other combustibles.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are designed to detect ground faults at very low levels and interrupt the power supply. For safety GFCI are recommended in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and near swimming pools and outdoor locations.

Outdoor Safety

Be aware of overhead lines when, trimming trees, working on a ladder or working on a roof.
Be aware of underground lines. Call Tennessee One Call, 811 to have underground lines marked before you dig.
All outdoor outlets should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
Frayed or damaged extension cords should not be used in outdoor work or lighting.
Do not use electric power tools in wet areas or rain.
DO NOT FLY KITES NEAR POWER LINES, IF YOU SEE CHILDDREN FLYING KITES NEAR POWER LINES CONTACT 911.
When using outdoor lights for decoration and other occasions make sure they are suitable for outdoor use.
Never touch a fallen power line, utility pole, guy wires, or transformers.

Substations and Switch Yards present as especially hazardous environment. Extremely high voltages are transferred within these locations; they are fenced and posted as hazardous and dangerous locations.
Copper theft from transmission lines, distribution lines and substations is very dangerous. Anyone witnessing someone removing wire from poles or inside a substation is asked to call 911 to report suspicious person/s.

Teach all children to stay away from potentially dangerous electrical hazards outside the home. Utility poles, Lattice towers, guy wires, pad mounted transformers (transformer on the ground), substations, and fallen wires. All these present unique electrical hazard.

Work Safety

Always use three prong plugs to insure proper grounding for tools.
Never overload electrical circuits.
Always use extension cords with the appropriate rating.
Surge protection devices protect sensitive electronic equipment.
Survey your job site for safety
Read and obey warning signs
When working on electrical equipment or equipment with stored energy turn off power supply, release stored energy and lock out and/or tag out the circuit.
Use a fiberglass or wood ladder when working near electricity.
Remove metal rings, watches, and jewelry when working near electricity.
When working near mechanical equipment, keep clothing away from moving parts to prevent injury by getting tangled in the equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment such as Hardhats, Boots, Gloves, Eye Protection, Hearing Protection, and protective clothing are designed to protect the worker. Whether on the job or at home you should not forget your personal protective safety equipment.

Insulation Safety

A home's insulation is vital for both comfort and energy efficiency. Properly installed insulation in ceilings, walls and floors helps keep warm and cool air inside your home. It is also important to know how to install insulation safely.

Be mindful of protective gear and clothing such as a work helmet or hard hat, safety glasses, and a dust mask. It is also a good idea to cover yourself with long sleeve shirts, pants, and gloves to protect your skin. Be sure to wash your hands (cold water first then warm water) after handling insulation and wash clothes separately from other clothing. Additional safety concerns are utility knives for cutting insulation. Make sure these are retractable or sheathed so that the blade is not exposed while not being used. Other required tools may include a tape measure, stapling tool, putty knife, screwdriver, and caulk.

Safety both before and after installation should always be considered. Avoid placing insulation close to heat-producing devices such as furnaces and light fixtures. Also, avoid insulation over attic vents. Moisture control should also be considered. Ensure that the vapor barrier is placed toward the living space to prevent moisture from accumulating, which may cause rotting.

If unsure about the "R" rating and how to properly install insulation, contact a qualified insulation contractor. Make sure you locate a reputable contractor and obtain an estimate from at least three contractors. Research the contractors work through references. Carefully examine any contractual agreements with regards to warranties and other details before you sign it.

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