GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

Power Theft

‘Power Theft’ is the tampering of electric service connections and/or meters with the intent to avoid paying for electricity. Attempting to steal power is a dangerous and illegal act that can result in:

Fire and numerous other threats to public safety
Severe bodily injury, including burns or electrocution
Severe legal ramifications, including large fines and possible imprisonment

Report Power Theft
If you suspect someone of tampering with electricity, leave the area immediately and call 800.427.7712 to report the incident. Calls can be made anonymously and FPU urges against confronting the individual directly.

Tree Safety

Trimming a tree near an electric line isn’t just dangerous. It’s potentially deadly. Contact a qualified professional trimmer to prune any trees in close proximity to electric lines.

Canine Control & Cooperation

While FPU respects your property and your pets, we also have the responsibility of helping our employees protect themselves in the event of an animal attack. Meter readers are therefore equipped with dog bite prevention tools, including a stick with a ball for distraction, an umbrella-barrier to protect their body during a necessary escape—and only as a last resort when danger of a dog bite is imminent—dog repellent.

Ensure FPU’s meter readers have safe access to your meter (and prevent potential and unnecessary injury to both our meter reader and your dog) by remembering to do the following:

Call FPU to confirm the date of your next meter read
Secure your dog on the day of your meter reading
Never secure your dog to the actual meter or in an area accessible to the meter
Contact FPU if you will be getting a new dog

Downed Power Lines

If you discover a downed electrical wire or power line, assume it is energized (and therefore dangerous) and stay as far away as possible. NEVER TOUCH a downed power line or any telephone cable wires in close proximity. Instead, call 800.427.7712 immediately to report the location of the power line. Or, call 911 if you sense a more serious emergency. Please be sure to keep everyone (especially children and pets) at a safe distance until help arrives.

Faulty Streetlights

When streetlights aren’t functioning properly, they can go beyond being an inconvenience. They can become a possible safety risk. Please contact FPU at 800.427.7712 to report the location of a flickering, vandalized or otherwise faulty streetlight—and don’t forget to mention any nearby landmarks or additional street names that may be helpful.

More Safety Tips

Never use electric appliances near water
Never overload (or place objects in) electric outlets
Always keep outdoor objects at least 10 feet away from power lines
Never fly kites or climb/cut down trees near power lines
Check air filters once a month, cleaning and replacing them as needed
Check electrical cords for cracks, frays and other signs of visible damage
Never enter electrical substations, climb utility poles, tamper with pad-mounted transformers or remove electric meters
For enhanced safety, replace standard outlets with UL- approved Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These devices will provide shock protection by quickly cutting off the circuit and should be installed by a licensed electrician
Stay away from areas where FPU crews are working
Do not touch any FPU vehicles or equipment, as these items may be conducting electricity
If you notice that a streetlight or FPU-owned outdoor light is not functioning properly, promote safety in your community by notifying FPU