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As you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) reminds you to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.

Substations and power lines carry extremely high voltages, and if contact is accidentally made, the results can be dangerous – or even deadly.

Never climb trees near power lines. If you make contact with a tree that is touching a power line, your body could become the path of electricity from the lines to the ground.  If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines or inside a substation do not attempt to remove it – no matter how furry and cute! Call WFEC or 911 for assistance.

These days, we are seeing more remote-controlled toys, like drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have fun outdoors. But these gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled devices should never be flown near power lines, substations or other electrical equipment.

Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled device:
• Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is accidentally made with a power line or transformer inside a substation, many members of your community could be left without electricity.
• Keep the remote-controlled device in sight at all times.
• Avoid flying if the weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to lose control of the remote-controlled device.

Here at WFEC, your safety is important to us. We hope you share the message of electrical safety so that you and others can enjoy plenty of summer days filled with fun! Visit westflorida.coop for more electrical safety tips.