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. 

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

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 trusty portable or fixed generator ready, please follow these common sense rules before connecting it to your equipment

• Report your power outage to the Elizabethton Electric Department  (423 542 1111) immediately. One call will be sufficient; repeated calls simply overload the reporting system.
• NEVER connect your generator directly to your house wiring, unless you have a properly installed “double throw-over” switch. These switches disconnect the house electrical service from the utility supplying source. They disconnect the energized wires and the neutral wire from your service entrance cables. Opening the “Main” switch or breaker will NOT disconnect the neutral conductor. Power from the generator can flow back into the supply system through the neutral conductor, through transformers, creating deadly full line voltages on the lines that utility employees will be working. Pulling the meter will NOT disconnect the neutral and WILL be considered “Unauthorized Tampering” with EED owned equipment. (Translation – “grief for you!”)
• When connecting equipment to generators, always be sure the cords are of sufficient size (current carrying capacity) for the load you are connecting. Use a separate cord for each piece of equipment connected. Be sure that all cords are wired correctly.
• Check your cords to be sure that all insulation is in place or in good repair.
• If your generator is located in a wet area (outdoors) or cords or equipment are in wet areas, utilize ground fault circuit interrupter protection. These work the same way as your bathroom electric receptacles and trip-off when a short circuit is detected.
• Never run an internal combustion engine (GENERATOR) indoors (KEY words: “Carbon Monoxide”). THIS COULD BE DEADLY FOR YOU.
• Never refuel a hot engine. Give the motor time to cool down and be careful not to overfill the fuel tank or spill fuel.
• Have other alternative heat, light and cooking methods available. Furthermore, know how to use them safely.
• Get as comfortable as possible; try to enjoy the experience of living without modern conveniences with your family, like everyone did before we had all the newfangled stuff. However, rest assured that Elizabethton Electric Employees are out in the weather trying their absolute best, with NO short cuts, to get your power back on as SAFELY and quickly as possible.

Indoor Safety

• Electrical outlets should be routinely checked for loose fitting plugs, these can overheat and become a fire hazard.
• Damaged or missing wall plates should be replaced.
• Unused outlets should be covered with safety covers.
• Appliance cords, lamp cords, or other electrical cords should be checked for frayed or cracked areas.
• Extension cords should only be used temporarily. 
• Never unplug an electrical cord by pulling on the cord. To unplug an appliance properly, pull on the plug head.
• Never place electrical cords underneath carpet, nail to a wall or baseboard.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to detect ground faults at very low levels and interrupt the power supply to prevent electrical shock. GFCI outlets should be used in areas where electricity can come into contact with water (such as bathrooms, garages, kitchens, and swimming pools). For more information on the use of GFCIs, consult a licensed electrician or obtain a copy of the National Electrical Code.
• When using space heaters, keep them at least 3feet away from combustible materials such as draperies, furniture, bedding, and rugs.
• Do not overload electrical outlets. Check circuit breaker or fuse amperages to ensure they can withstand the load of the appliance.

Outdoor Safety

• When working outside, such as working from a ladder, pruning trees, or working on the roof, beware of overhead power lines.
• Before you dig, make sure there are no underground power lines in the area. Call Tennessee One Call at 811.
• All outdoor electrical outlets should be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected.
• Inspect all extension cords and power tool cords for cracked or frayed areas before beginning work outside.
• Never use electrically operated power tools in the rain or wet conditions.
• Do not allow children to fly kites around power lines. Electricity can travel through the kites' string. Keep your child safe by flying kites in an open area.
• Never touch a fallen power line. Always assume it is an energized line and immediately call your local power distributor.
• NEVER attempt to remove the copper ground wire from a utility pole. Removing ground wires can become very dangerous with the possibility of a fatal injury or severe electrical burns.
• Stay out of our substations. Voltages in substations range from 7,200 volts to 161,000 volts. Even the chain link fence around a substation can become electrically charged under certain atmospheric conditions, (immediately before, during, or after thunder storms and other circumstances. That is why we have the warning signs on the fences. The fences are grounded. NEVER attempt to remove the grounding from a substation fence. Severe electrical burns or death can result.
• Teach children to recognize and stay clear of potentially dangerous electrical hazards outside your home, such as utility poles, guide wires, and transformer enclosures. Also teach them to recognize danger signs posted around utility installations.
• When using lighted holiday decorations, make sure they are suitable for outdoor use and take time to inspect all electrical connections and cords for damage.
• In the event of lightning, seek shelter immediately. Never stand under a tree, tall objects, or go near water or stand near a metal fence. Lightning can strike anywhere and can run the full length of a metal fence.

Work Safety

• Never overload electrical circuits. Check your breaker/fuse box to determine if the outlets can safely handle the equipment's electrical load.
• Use properly wired 3-prong outlets to ensure proper grounding.
• Make sure your office has sufficient wall outlets to prevent the use of extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the products you are using.
• Use surge suppression devices to protect sensitive electronic equipment from electrical surges.
• Survey the job site for safety hazards before you begin working.
• Read and obey all danger and warning signs.
• Before working on any piece of electrical equipment, turn the power supply off and lock out and tag out the circuit.
• When working around electricity with a ladder, use one made of fiberglass or wood.
• Remove any metal jewelry, rings, or watches before working on electrical equipment. Precious metals are the best known conductors of electricity. Gold, silver and platinum are better electrical conductors than copper and aluminum.
• Make sure clothing fits snugly when working around machinery. Lose clothing can get tangled in moving machinery parts.

Insulation Safety Tips

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.

Under Construction

Please check back soon for more Risk Management information.