• Lower all equipment before passing near or beneath power lines.
• Have someone spot for you when moving equipment.
• Avoid guide wires and poles.
• Don't raise a ladder or other equipment without first looking up.
• Be careful adjusting roof antennas.
• When using electrical appliances and tools outdoors, make sure they're properly grounded and that your work area is dry.
• Remind children never to climb utility poles or trees near utility poles.
• Make sure children fly their kites in wide spaces far away from power lines.

By following these simple tips you and your family can have an enjoyable spring. Please contact us for more helpful tips on spring safety.

Think Before You Dig!
Are you considering landscaping your home this spring? Have you finally figured out what trees you want in your front yard? If you answered "yes" to these questions, here are a few things to consider before you dig:

• Be sure that all underground cables have been located and are clearly identified. If you are unsure where the cable is located, contact the cooperative.
• Plant trees at least 20 feet away from overhead lines and 10 feet away from underground cables and meter installation.
• Check to see how tall and bushy the tree will be at maturity. You may want to consider slow growing or smaller trees if there is a power line overhead. When a tree limb comes in contact with a power line, it could cause an outage for you and your neighbors or it may conduct electricity which creates a loss of electricity (line loss) costing you and other members money.
• Keep shrubs and trees away from transformers and electric meters.
• When trimming trees, avoid contact with power lines.
• Using discretion in planting your tree and shrubs can result in reduced maintenance costs, fewer power outages, faster repairs, and more reliable service.