Our concern for safety extends beyond dealing with electricity. The potential unsafe circumstances any of our members could face in any given day covers a wide variety of topics. In this section we hope to provide safety information that can be useful in the workplace and, additionally, in the home or on the farm or in your community. Please check back here regularly as we will be adding more safety tips and reminders to encourage all types of safe practices.

At Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, we understand the value that trees add to our communities. However, when trees grow too close to power lines, they can pose serious safety hazards and lead to power outages—especially during storms or high winds.

To ensure safe and reliable service, we maintain a 40-foot right of way—20 feet on each side of the power line. This area must remain clear of trees and other obstructions to allow proper maintenance, reduce the risk of outages, and keep everyone safe.

We ask all members to help us by reporting any trees that appear damaged, leaning, or growing too close to the lines. Early notification allows us to take proactive steps to prevent outages before they occur.

If you are planning any landscaping or tree planting near power lines, please refer to the tree planting reference sheet attached. It provides guidelines on safe planting distances and suitable species to help avoid future issues.

Click Here to view the planting reference sheet. 

Planning an Upgrade or Repair to Your Electric Service?


If you’re planning to upgrade or make repairs to your electric service, please get in touch with us in advance at 937-544-2305 so we can safely schedule a service disconnection. Electricians are not permitted to pull the meter under any circumstances.

As long as we are notified before 2:00 PM on a regular business day, we will reconnect your service at no charge. Your safety is our priority — thank you for working with us to keep our system safe and reliable.

Click here to view the guide on who is responsible for repairing the electric service. 

Vehicle Accident with Downed Power Lines – What to Do

If you are involved in a vehicle accident and power lines are down, your safety is the top priority. Follow these steps:

  1. Stay in the vehicle – Do not attempt to exit if the vehicle is in contact with power lines. Electricity can travel through the ground.

  2. Warn others to stay away – Keep bystanders at least 30 feet away from the vehicle and downed lines.

  3. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and let emergency responders know that downed power lines are involved.

  4. Only exit if necessary – If there is an immediate danger like fire, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together, avoiding contact with the vehicle and ground simultaneously, then shuffle away with small steps.

  5. Wait for utility crews – Do not try to move or touch downed power lines. Wait for trained professionals to secure the area.

Remember: Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

 

Click Here to view a short video demonstration on what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.