Call 811 Before You Dig
Whether it’s a small project like planting trees and shrubs or a larger construction project, start with a call to 8-1-1 before you dig. Your underground utility lines will be marked so you can dig safely. This service is free and it’s actually required by law.
See a Downed Power Line? Call 911
Never touch or even approach a downed power line -- it can cause serious injury or even death. Whether overhead or on the ground, consider all power lines energized and dangerous.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Chores & Play
Kites and balloons that come in contact with power lines can cause power outages. Keep them far away. If the wind pushes your kite near a power line, let go of it.
If you see anything caught in power lines, call us at 1-800-611-1911.
Enjoy Balloons Safely
Keep balloons indoors and far away from power lines. More tips:
- Never attach metallic streamers to balloons
- Be sure balloons are secured with weights as required by California law; find balloon weights at party supply stores
Flying Kites Safely
Enjoy your kite by flying it in an open area far away from overhead power lines and electricity facilities. More tips:
- Never attach anything metallic – wire, string, or fabric – to a kite
- Never fly a kite that’s damp or wet
Digging into underground utility lines, pipes, or cables can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood. That’s why we ask you to call 811 a few days before your digging project. An expert will come out to mark the location of underground utility lines, so you can dig safely. Learn more >
When you’re doing yard work or outdoor chores, remember to look up and look out for power lines. Any contact with a power line can seriously hurt you, or even kill you. Be extra careful with ladders, tree trimming equipment, fruit-harvesting poles, pool skimmers, or any tool that you use above your head.
When you’re installing a rooftop satellite or antenna, or putting up a new flagpole, be sure to stay far away from overhead power lines.
Remind children to stay far away from trees that are growing into – or near – power lines. They could be energized and dangerous. To report trees growing into or near power lines, call us at 1-800-655-4555.
Whether it’s a kite, a balloon, or even an animal, never try to remove anything caught in power lines. It’s a job for trained experts. Instead, call us at 1-800-611-1911.
If your trees have grown into or near power lines, pruning requires the expertise of a qualified line-clearance arborist. To report trees growing into or near power lines, call us at 1-800-655-4555.
To keep your family safe from electrical shock, use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets around the swimming pool or spa, and wherever you use power tools and equipment. GFCI outlets can sense unsafe electrical hazards and automatically shut off power before a serious injury or electrocution can occur.
To learn more about installing GFCI outlets, consult a qualified and licensed electrician.
Water conducts electricity, and water that’s been in contact with electricity can be deadly. Remember:
- Never use electrical devices or power tools near water
- Store electric-powered equipment in a garage or shed – and away from the elements
- Dry your hands thoroughly before reaching for anything powered by electricity
When the holidays are near and it’s time to decorate, help your family enjoy the season safely.
- If you find frayed cords or wires, broken fuses, or cracked light bulbs, throw away the strand and get a new one
- Never use nails or staples to attach a string of lights or a cord
- Choose extension cords that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, CSA, or ETA
- Don’t overload: limit yourself to three strands of lights per outlet
- Unplug decorative lights when you leave home or go to bed
After the holidays, there’s a safer way to remove and store lights and decorations.
- Unplug decorations, lights and extension cords before removing them
- Never allow children to tug on electrical cords – there’s a risk of tearing the insulation and exposing wires
- Outdoors, keep ladders, long-handled tools, and dangling light strands far away from overhead power lines, service drops, and pole-to-house connections
- Follow manufacturers’ and your city’s directions for safely disposing of worn or broken lights and decorations
If you use a portable generator, rely on a qualified installer or licensed electrician to connect it to our system or to your home’s wiring.
Did you know that connecting a generator directly to a household circuit creates “backfeed” which presents a danger to our repair crews? If you need your generator to be wired directly to your home, notify us first at 1-800-655-4555 – it’s the law.
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Temperature Control
Raising your air conditioner’s thermostat by 5 degrees Fahrenheit will save you about 10% on cooling costs.
Play It Cool
During cold days and nights, set your heating thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The Filter Factor
Clean or replace your air conditioner's filter regularly to help it run more effectively.
The Fan Plan
Use a portable or ceiling fan instead of your air conditioner. Fans cost less to run and use less energy than A/C.
Separation of Powers
Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
In the Shades
Close drapes and shades to keep direct sunlight out and lower your cooling costs.
Fair Weather Friends
Weatherize your home by insulating, caulking, and weatherstripping to reduce both cooling and heating costs—these measures pay for themselves over time.
Right Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs last up to 10X longer than incandescent bulbs and produce less heat while using only a quarter of the electricity.
Unplug It
Consider unplugging electronics when they are not in use. Even when turned off, the amount of electricity still being used by electronics adds up.
The Late Shift
Use nonessential appliances such as clothes washers and dryers during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 p.m.).
Wait for The Web
Surf the Internet late at night or during early morning hours when the demand for electricity is lower.
Pool School
Run swimming pool equipment for the minimum amount of time, and during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 p.m.).
Clean Is Cool
Dirty coils can make you refrigerator work harder than necessary. Check and clean the coils regularly according to the owner’s manual, especially during the summer.
