Safety Tips & Awareness

Your Safety, Our Priority: Staying Safe Around Electricity

At BTU, we provide more than just power; we provide the peace of mind that comes with a safe community. Electricity is an essential part of our modern lives, but it requires respect and awareness. Use this information to protect your home, your family, and your coworkers.

Downed Lines

Power Outages

Generators

Equipment

Tips for Kids

Electrical

Downed Line Safety

Stay Back, Stay Alive

Never trust appearances—a downed power line doesn't have to be sparking or humming to be deadly. If you encounter a fallen wire, assume it is fully energized and capable of causing fatal injury.

In the Event of a Vehicle Accident:

If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line, do not exit. Your car and the surrounding ground may be highly energized. Stay inside your vehicle, call 9-1-1, and wait for BTU crews to confirm the area is de-energized. Your vehicle is your safest shield—staying put could save your life.

If you encounter a downed line, your actions in the first few seconds are vital. Follow these to protect yourself and those around you:

Immediate Scene Safety

Keep Your Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 35 feet (about the length of a school bus) from any downed line or any object it is touching, such as a fence or a tree.
Never Use "Non-Conductive" Objects: Do not attempt to move a wire with a broom, stick, or PVC pipe. Even materials that normally don't conduct electricity can become deadly conductors if they are damp or dirty.
Avoid Standing Water: Electric current can travel through puddles and wet grass. Never approach a downed line near water.
Do Not Drive Over Lines: A downed wire can become entangled in your wheels or undercarriage, energizing the entire vehicle or pulling down additional poles.

The "Shuffle Step": How to Move Away

Electricity doesn't just sit in the wire; it spreads through the ground like a ripple in a pond. To avoid "step potential"—the difference in voltage between your two feet—you must move away correctly:

Keep your feet together and touching the ground at all times.
Shuffle away using tiny, overlapping steps.
Never lift a foot or take a normal stride until you are at least 35 feet away.

If You are Trapped in a Vehicle

Stay Put: Unless there is an immediate fire, stay inside your car. It is your safest "insulation bubble."
Signal for Help: Honk your horn, roll down your window to shout, and use your phone to call 911. Warn bystanders to stay far away from the vehicle.
The "Clean Jump" (Fire Emergency Only): If you must exit due to fire:
- Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together.
- Do not touch the car and the ground at the same time.
- Once you land, shuffle away until you are at a safe distance.

Helping Others Safely

Don't Become the Next Victim: If you see someone in contact with a wire, do not touch them. As much as you want to help, your body will simply become a second path for the electricity.
Call 911 immediately. The best way to help is to ensure professional rescue and utility crews are on the way.

Power Outage Safety & Recovery

When a major storm or an unexpected equipment failure occurs, restoring power to your home involves a highly coordinated and technical sequence of events. BTU’s priority is always public safety, which means our crews must first assess the damage, clear fallen lines, and repair high-voltage transmission equipment before they can safely energize individual neighborhoods. How long this process takes depends entirely on the severity of the storm and the accessibility of the damaged infrastructure.

While our lineworkers are in the field, your role is to manage your home environment to prevent secondary hazards like fires, foodborne illness, or carbon monoxide poisoning. By following a few critical safety protocols, you can protect your family and your property until the lights come back on.

Downed Power Line Safety

Assume All Lines are Live: Never touch a downed power line or anything it is contacting, such as a fence, tree limb, or puddle.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Stay at least 35 feet away from any fallen wire. If the ground is wet, the "danger zone" can extend even further.
Vehicle Entrapment: If a line falls on your car, stay inside. Your tires provide insulation. Only exit if the vehicle catches fire, using a "solid jump" to ensure you never touch the car and the ground at the same time.
Driving Hazards: Never drive over downed power lines. Snagging a line can pull down additional poles or energize your vehicle's chassis.
The Shuffle Step: If you must move away from a line, keep your feet together and shuffle without lifting them off the ground to prevent "step potential" electric shock.

Water and Flood Precautions

Avoid Submerged Outlets: Never enter a flooded room if the water level has reached electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, or power strips.
Main Breaker Safety: Do not attempt to turn off your power if you must stand in water to reach the breaker box. Call BTU to have your service disconnected at the meter.
Equipment Inspection: Any appliance, power tool, or electric motor that has been submerged must be professionally cleaned and inspected before use.
Outdoor Cleanup: Avoid using electric pressure washers, hedge trimmers, or saws in wet conditions or while standing on damp ground.

Post-Storm Building Entry

Utility Verification: Before entering a storm-damaged building, confirm that both the electricity and gas have been officially turned off.
Hidden Hazards: Be alert for "stray voltage" in damp walls or metal framing, which can occur if internal wiring was compromised during the storm.
Ventilation: If using a gas-powered water pump to clear floodwater, ensure it is placed outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the building.

The Essential Storm Safety Kit

Hydration & Nutrition: A three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food with a manual can opener.
Light & Communication: Multiple flashlights with extra batteries, a portable power bank for phones, and a battery-operated weather radio.
Medical Supplies: A 7-day supply of all essential prescriptions, a standard first-aid kit, and basic pain relievers.
Sanitation: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and basic hygiene products.
Comfort & Protection: Warm blankets, a change of dry clothes, and sturdy work gloves for cleanup.
Documents & Cash: A waterproof folder containing copies of IDs, insurance policies, and a small amount of cash in case ATMs are offline.
Family Needs: Don’t forget baby supplies (formula/diapers), pet food, and "low-tech" entertainment like cards or books.

Generator Safety

Protecting You and Our Crews

The safety of our customers and our employees is our highest priority, especially during the challenging hours following a major storm. As soon as weather conditions allow for safe travel, our lineworkers rush to the field to begin the grueling work of repairing the grid. While these crews are highly trained and take every necessary precaution before handling downed lines, their lives often remain in your hands. When a portable generator is used improperly, it can create a silent and deadly hazard that extends far beyond your own property.

Portable generators are essential tools for maintaining comfort during an outage, but they must be operated with extreme caution to prevent "backfeeding." This occurs when a generator is plugged directly into a wall outlet, accidentally sending high-voltage electricity backward through your meter and onto the utility lines. This unexpected surge can electrocute lineworkers who believe the lines they are repairing are de-energized. We urge you to review the following safety guidelines to ensure your backup power solution remains a help, not a hazard, to your neighbors and our dedicated repair teams.

To protect your home and our utility crews, please adhere to these strict operational guidelines:

Preventing Electrocution and "Backfeeding"

Avoid Direct Home Connection: Never plug a generator into a wall outlet or your home's main electrical panel. This creates a lethal "backfeed" of electricity onto our power lines, endangering lineworkers and neighbors.
Use a Transfer Switch: The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s wiring is through a professionally installed transfer switch. This device acts as a gateway that prevents power from leaking back into the grid.
Plug Directly into the Unit: For portable units, plug appliances directly into the outlets on the generator. Use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are free of cuts, frayed wires, or missing grounding prongs.

Safe Operation and Fire Prevention

Proper Grounding: Ensure your generator is correctly grounded according to the manufacturer's manual to prevent electric shocks.
The "Cold Start" Rule: Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite instantly. Always turn the unit off and let it cool before adding fuel.
Keep it Dry: Operate your generator on a level, dry surface under an open-canopy structure. Using a generator in wet conditions can cause electrocution and damage the unit’s internal components.
Maintain Fire Readiness: Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby and ensure it is rated for electrical and fuel fires.

Managing the Electrical Load

Avoid Overloading: Only use your generator to power essential equipment. Overloading the unit can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to a fire or permanent equipment failure.
The Shutdown Sequence: Before turning off your generator, turn off and unplug all connected appliances. This prevents power surges and protects your electronics.
Follow the Manual: Always keep the manufacturer's instructions with the unit. Never cut corners or bypass safety features to save time.

Equipment Safety

The poles and wires that line our streets are complex pieces of engineering designed to move high-voltage electricity safely. While this equipment is built to withstand the elements, it is not designed for human contact. Maintaining a respectful distance from utility infrastructure—both above and below ground—is essential for your safety and the safety of our maintenance crews.

Not all hazards are visible. Your yard contains a hidden network of electric, gas, water, and fiber-optic lines. The depth of these utilities varies significantly based on soil shifting and original installation, making it impossible to "guess" where it is safe to dig.

Whether you are planting a small shrub, installing a mailbox, or building a fence, Texas law requires you to call 811 at least two business days before you break ground. We will come out and mark your underground lines for free. Digging without a locate request doesn't just risk a massive fine; it risks a catastrophic utility strike that could injure you and leave your entire neighborhood in the dark.

Everyday Awareness & Recreational Safety

Safety is a habit. Whether you are working in the yard or playing with your family, keep these "line-of-sight" rules in mind:

Respect the Infrastructure: Maintain a wide berth around all power lines, meters, transformers, and green electrical boxes (pad-mount transformers). Never allow children to play on or near this equipment.
Clear the Air: Always fly drones, kites, and balloons in wide-open spaces far away from power lines. If an object becomes entangled in a wire, leave it alone. Do not attempt to retrieve it with a stick or ladder; call BTU immediately for professional assistance.
Safe Climbing: Never climb trees that are located near power lines. During a storm or high winds, these trees can become energized, turning a climb into a fatal accident.
Vertical Awareness: Be extremely cautious when carrying long objects like ladders, pool cleaning poles, antennas, or pruning shears. Always carry them horizontally when moving across your yard to avoid accidental contact with overhead lines.
Equipment Boundaries: Never attach items to utility poles, including basketball hoops, signs, decorations, or fences. These not only damage the pole but also create obstacles that put our lineworkers at risk during repairs.

Underground Safety: Call 811

Safety isn't just about looking up; it’s about knowing what is beneath you before you break ground.

The 811 Process: One free call to 811 connects you with a local One Call Center. They will notify all utility companies (electric, gas, water, and fiber) to send a professional locator to your property.
Free Marking: Within a few business days, locators will use paint or flags to mark the approximate location of your underground lines.
Protect Your Community: Digging without a locate request can lead to life-threatening accidents, massive utility outages for your neighbors, and expensive repair fines. Whether you are planting a single shrub or installing a deck, Always Call Before You Dig.

Safety Tips for Kids

Curious Minds, Safe Habits

Children often view the world through a lens of play, which means they may not naturally recognize the hidden dangers of high-voltage equipment. By taking a moment to point out the electrical infrastructure in your own neighborhood, you can help them build a lifelong foundation of safety.

Outdoor Play & Recreation

The Tree Rule: Never climb trees that are near power lines. Even if the branches aren't touching the wires now, they can sag or sway during a storm or under a person's weight, creating a path for electricity.
Fly High, Fly Far: Always fly kites, drones, and model airplanes in large open parks or fields. Keep them far away from overhead lines. If a kite gets stuck in a tree near a wire, do not climb up to get it.
Equipment Boundaries: Never play on or around green metal "boxes" (pad-mounted transformers) on cement pads. These are not seats or toys.
Substation Danger: Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment that can cause an "arc" (a jump of electricity) even if you don't touch anything. Never enter a substation to retrieve a pet or a toy; call BTU for help instead.
Safe Shelter: Immediately seek indoor shelter if you hear thunder or see lightning while playing outside.

Home and Water Safety

Wet Hands, Dry Plugs: Never touch an electric appliance, radio, or tablet while in a pool, hot tub, or bathtub. Keep all electronics at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces.
Storm Protocol: It is never safe to swim in a pool or lake when a storm is brewing. Get out of the water immediately at the first sign of bad weather.
Outdoor Gadgets: Do not leave electrical toys or gadgets outside. If it rains, the device can become damaged and cause a shock the next time it is used.
GFCI Protection: Use outlets equipped with "Safety Buttons" (GFCIs) for all outdoor needs. These are designed to shut off power instantly if they detect a problem.

Storm & Hazard Awareness

Flooded Areas: Never wade or play in flooded streets or yards after a storm. Fallen power lines may be hidden underwater, making the entire area energized.
The "Tell an Adult" Rule: Teach children to never go near a downed or dangling wire. If they see one, their only job is to stay far away and tell an adult immediately.
Assume it's Live: Remind children that a power line doesn't have to be moving or making a sound to be dangerous. Always stay away.

Electrical Safety

Protecting Our Community

Electricity is the invisible force that powers our modern lives, but it is a force that requires constant respect and vigilance. At BTU, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power; we are dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community has the knowledge to stay safe around our infrastructure. While many hazards—like a flickering light or a warm outlet—are easy to spot, many electrical dangers are undetectable to the naked eye. This information is designed to help you identify those hidden risks and respond effectively when the unexpected occurs.

Electricity is a constant presence in our homes, but it requires mindful habits to prevent fires and shocks. Protect your family by following these everyday safety protocols:

Safe Charging & Device Use

Charge on Hard Surfaces: Never sleep with a charging cell phone or leave a device on soft bedding or under a pillow. The heat generated during charging can easily ignite fabric, leading to a fire.
Avoid Cheap Replacements: Use only original or brand-name charging blocks and cables. Generic, cheaply made chargers are a leading cause of overheating and electrical shorts.
Keep Devices Away from Water: Never use a charging phone or tablet near a bathtub, sink, or pool. Fatal electrocutions have occurred when a plugged-in device falls into water.
One Device per Outlet: Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many high-draw items into a single outlet or power strip. If your circuit breakers trip frequently, it is a sign that your system is struggling to meet your power demands.

Home Heating & Appliance Safety

Space Heater Supervision: Always keep portable heaters at least three feet away from flammable items like curtains or paper. Never leave a heater unattended or running while you sleep.
Retire Old Electric Blankets: Replace any electric blanket that is more than 10 years old or shows signs of frayed wiring.
Appliance Inspection: Periodically check your large appliances for frayed cords or damaged plugs. If an appliance smells "fishy" or like burning plastic, unplug it immediately and call a technician.

Advanced Safety Features

Test Your GFCIs Monthly: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (the outlets with "Test" and "Reset" buttons) are designed to save lives by cutting power during a surge. Push the test button once a month to ensure they are still functioning correctly.
Verify AFCI Protection: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) detect dangerous electrical "arcs" (sparks) inside your walls that can cause fires. If your home is older, consult an electrician to ensure your panel is equipped with modern AFCI protection.
Ignore No Symptoms: If your lights flicker often, your outlets feel warm to the touch, or you hear a persistent buzzing from your walls, contact a licensed electrician to assess your home's wiring.

Childproofing for the Next Generation

Get on Their Level: To truly childproof your home, crawl on the floor to see the world from a toddler’s perspective. Look for exposed power strips, dangling cords, or outlets that are easy to reach.
Use Tamper-Resistant Outlets: If your home was built before 2008, your outlets may not have built-in safety shutters. Use plastic safety plugs to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots.
Cord Management: Keep charging cables and appliance cords tucked away or secured to furniture so they don't become trip hazards or tempting "toys" for little ones.