As children, we’re taught simple etiquette, including saying “please” and “thank you.” But, we typically aren’t taught “electricity etiquette.”

Is there etiquette for electricity? Many electric cooperatives would say, “Yes!”

Not heeding proper rules regarding electricity can lead to serious injury or even death for you, your family or electric cooperative personnel.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents occur each year. In addition, an estimated 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2011 involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction, said the National Fire Protection Association.

So, what can you do to practice proper electricity etiquette? While we don’t claim to be etiquette expert Emily Post, here are some helpful tips we at Indiana Electric Cooperatives can pass along.

• Do not tamper with the meter. It’s illegal and dangerous. It also hurts honest, hard-working customers by raising costs for them. Contact your local law enforcement agency or your electric utility if you suspect meter tampering.
• The big green box in your yard may not enhance your landscaping design, but it serves an important purpose. It’s a pad-mount transformer helping funnel power to your home. Keep landscaping clear of it because electric utility workers may need access to it at some point. When this happens, it is likely to be damaged and slows down the utility workers.
• Be mindful of power lines when planting trees or vegetation. Plant the right tree in the right place so it won’t grow into the lines. Keep flora and fauna away from light poles and guy wires.
• Linemen have a hazardous job as it is, so refrain from posting signs and flyers on power poles. This can damage protective equipment linemen use. Even the smallest hole puts a lineman at risk of electrocution.
• Those kites and balloons are fun to fly, but they can be a danger if they come into contact with a power line. Be mindful of where power lines are located. Don’t let those shiny Mylar balloons soar into the sky and come into contact with a power line. It could create an outage for you and your neighbors.
• When you have a power outage, check the main breaker before contacting your electric cooperative. It could be a simple fix and will save the cooperative from unnecessarily dispatching a crew. Also, check to see if your neighbors have power before reporting the outage.
• Teach your children to be safe around electricity. Tell them never to play near pad-mount transformers, power lines or electric substations.

Practicing proper electricity etiquette will not only save you time, energy and money — it can save a life. If you have any questions about electricity, contact your local electric cooperative.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, National Fire Protection Association.