Safety Starts With Awareness: May is National Electrical Safety Month
Each May, utilities and safety organizations across the country recognize National Electrical Safety Month — a reminder that electricity powers nearly every part of our daily lives, but it also deserves our respect.
At Nobles Cooperative Electric, safety is something we think about every day. Whether you are planting crops, digging in the yard, driving equipment, or simply enjoying time outdoors with your family, taking a few extra moments to stay aware can help prevent serious accidents.
Electricity Makes Modern Life Possible — But It Can Also Be Dangerous
Electricity powers our homes, farms, schools, and businesses. Most of the time it works quietly in the background, but power lines and electrical equipment can become extremely dangerous if people let their guard down.
A moment of awareness today can prevent a tragedy tomorrow.
That is why National Electrical Safety Month is such an important reminder for all of us — especially during spring and summer when outdoor projects, construction, planting, and road work begin to ramp up across southwest Minnesota.
Simple Safety Reminders That Save Lives
Look Up
Always be aware of overhead power lines before moving equipment, lifting augers, operating sprayers, trimming trees, or working around buildings.
Modern farm equipment is larger than ever, and accidental contact with power lines can happen in seconds. Keep equipment a safe distance away from electrical lines at all times.
Look Down
Before digging, always know what is below the surface. Underground utility lines may be closer than you think.
Even small digging projects — including fence posts, landscaping, or tile work — can damage underground electric or utility lines.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Minnesota law requires contacting Gopher State One Call before digging.
Calling 811 helps locate underground utilities and can prevent injuries, outages, and costly repairs. It is free, easy, and one of the simplest ways to stay safe.
Keep Your Distance
Always maintain safe clearance from power lines with combines, grain trucks, planters, cultivators, sprayers, and other large equipment.
If equipment comes into contact with a power line, stay inside the cab if possible and call 911 immediately. Never attempt to step out unless there is an immediate fire risk.
Stay Away From Downed Lines
Never touch a downed power line — even if it does not appear energized.
Always assume any downed line is live and dangerous. Stay at least 50 feet away and keep others away as well. Contact 911 immediately in an emergency or call Nobles Cooperative Electric to report the issue.
Drive Carefully Around Utility Crews
When lineworkers are restoring power or working near roadsides, slow down and give them space to work safely.
Our crews work in all kinds of weather and conditions to keep power flowing to our members safely and reliably.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Electrical safety is not just for utility crews — it is for everyone.
By staying alert and following a few simple precautions, we can help protect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our communities.
At Nobles Cooperative Electric, we are proud to recognize National Electrical Safety Month and encourage everyone to make safety part of their everyday routine.
Because when it comes to electricity, safety truly starts with awareness.
