Safety

At Cass County Electric Cooperative, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a core value that guides everything we do. We are deeply committed to protecting our employees, members, and the communities we serve. Electricity is a powerful resource, but it requires respect and knowledge to use safely. That’s why we provide comprehensive safety resources to help you stay informed and protected, whether at home, on the farm, or in the workplace. Explore the tools, tips, and guidelines below to learn how we put safety first—every day, in every way.

Outage Safety

Although our electric service is generally reliable, winter storms, summer storms, spring flooding, and other unpredictable weather events can lead to power outages. Please use the provided content below to stay safe and make sure you are prepared for inclement weather and possible power outages.

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Youth Safety

Electricity powers our world, but it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Teaching children about electrical safety helps prevent accidents and builds lifelong awareness. From understanding the risks of power lines to using outlets safely, educating kids on these important habits ensures their well-being at home and outdoors.

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First Responders Safety

First responders must make good decisions quickly in emergencies. Some of these emergencies involve electric lines, which can be dangerous for both the public and first responders. Cass County Electric wants all first responders to know what to do when they arrive at the scene of an incident that involves electricity.

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Request a Watch the Wires safety kit!

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If you see something, say something!

Report A Safety Concern

Request a Safety Presentation!

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Safety Tips

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Power Line

Digging

Agriculture

Contractor

Wildfire

Generator

Safety Library

Electricity is an essential part of everyday life, but it must always be treated with care. Electrical hazards can lead to shock, electrocution, burns or fires, and many warning signs are easy to overlook.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is committed to helping members recognize electrical hazards and make safer decisions at home, outdoors and around power lines. Inspect electrical equipment regularly, use appliances and tools only as intended, and contact a licensed electrician when something does not look or feel right.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Contact a licensed electrician if you notice:

Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
Flickering or dimming lights
Warm, scorched or discolored outlets
Buzzing, sizzling or crackling sounds
A burning or unusual odor
Sparks when inserting or removing a plug
Loose outlets or switches
Mild shocks or tingling when touching an appliance
Extension cords being used as permanent wiring

Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you are properly trained and qualified. Turn off the affected circuit when it is safe to do so and have the problem evaluated by a licensed electrician.

Download the Checklist

Electrical Emergencies

Do not immediately touch a person who is being shocked. The person may still be in contact with an electrical source, and touching them could cause the current to pass through you.

Turn off the power: Unplug the appliance or equipment only if you can do so safely. Otherwise, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or main electrical panel.
Call 911: Request emergency medical assistance as soon as the electrical source has been disconnected or you are safely away from the hazard.
Provide first aid only when it is safe: Once the power is off, provide first aid or CPR if you are trained to do so.
Do not move the person unnecessarily: Electrical shock can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately visible.

Always assume a fallen power line is energized and dangerous. Electricity can travel through the ground and energize nearby objects, fences, trees, equipment and standing water.

Do not touch the line or the person in contact with it.
Stay at least 35 feet away and warn others to keep back.
Call 911 and Cass County Electric at 701-356-4400.
Never attempt to move the line with a pole, branch, rope or other object.
Do not drive over a fallen power line.

Stay inside the vehicle unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire. The vehicle may be energized, but remaining inside helps prevent your body from becoming a path between the vehicle and the ground.

Remain in the vehicle and tell passengers to stay inside.
Call 911 and warn others not to approach or touch the vehicle.
Wait for emergency responders and utility crews to confirm the power line has been de-energized.

Exit Only if There Is an Immediate Danger

If fire or another emergency makes it necessary to leave:

Open the door without touching the ground.
Jump completely clear of the vehicle.
Do not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time.
Land with both feet together.
Keep your feet together and shuffle or hop away.
Continue moving until you are at least 35 feet from the vehicle and power line.

Do not return to the vehicle until utility personnel confirm the area is safe. OSHA advises operators to remain in the cab after power line contact unless fire, explosion or another emergency requires evacuation.

Prevent Electrical Shock

Water can conduct electricity and increase the risk of shock or electrocution.

Do not use electrical tools outdoors when the tools, cords, outlets or ground are wet.
Use GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, outdoor areas and other locations where electricity and water may come into contact.
Never use a plugged-in phone, tablet or other device near a bathtub, sink, pool or hot tub.
Keep appliances away from sinks and other water sources.
If an appliance falls into water, turn off the power at the breaker before touching the appliance or water.
Never handle plugs, switches or appliances with wet hands.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, commonly called GFCIs, are designed to quickly interrupt power when an unintended electrical path is detected. Test outlets with “Test” and “Reset” buttons regularly and replace any that do not operate correctly.

Check electrical equipment before each use and periodically inspect appliances throughout your home.

Replace damaged cords: Do not use cords that are cracked, frayed, pinched, melted or missing insulation.
Use grounded plugs: Never remove or modify the third prong from a three-prong plug.
Insert plugs completely: No portion of the metal prongs should remain exposed.
Stop using equipment that sparks, smokes or overheats: Turn it off, unplug it and have it inspected or replaced.
Disconnect appliances before cleaning or servicing them.
Do not repair cords with household tape: Replace the damaged cord or equipment.
Use products that are properly listed or certified by a recognized testing laboratory.

General Electrical Safety

Power strips provide additional outlets, but they do not increase the amount of electricity a circuit can safely supply.

Do not plug multiple high-wattage appliances into the same outlet or power strip.
Never connect one power strip or extension cord to another.
Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets.
Use extension cords only temporarily.
Match the cord to the job: Use outdoor-rated cords outdoors and make sure the cord is rated for the equipment’s electrical load.
Do not run cords beneath rugs, doors or furniture where they can become damaged or overheat.
Keep cords out of walkways and away from children and pets.

Frequently tripped breakers, blown fuses, buzzing sounds, flickering lights, discolored outlets or warm wall plates may indicate an electrical problem. Stop using the affected outlet or circuit and contact a licensed electrician. ESFI recommends using extension cords temporarily and having recurring electrical problems evaluated by a qualified electrician.

Phones, tablets, laptops, power banks, e-bikes and other rechargeable devices can generate heat while charging.

Charge devices on a hard, stable surface where heat can escape.
Do not charge devices on beds, couches, pillows or beneath blankets.
Use the charger designed or approved for the device.
Replace chargers and cables that are damaged, loose or unusually hot.
Do not use a battery that is swollen, leaking, cracked or producing an unusual odor.
Keep charging devices away from water and extreme temperatures.
Do not block ventilation openings while a device is charging.
Unplug the device if it begins smoking, sparking or overheating.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, use, cleaning and maintenance.
Unplug small appliances when they are not in use.
Do not use an appliance with a damaged plug or cord.
Do not ignore burning odors, buzzing, sparking or excessive heat.
Have repairs completed by a qualified professional.
Never bypass safety switches, grounding prongs or protective features.

Portable space heaters require close supervision and should be used only as a supplemental heat source.

Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture, clothing, paper and other combustible materials.
Place heaters on a flat, stable surface.
Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep children and pets away from the heater.
Never use a space heater to dry clothing or bedding.

ESFI recommends maintaining at least 3 feet of space around portable heaters, plugging them directly into a wall outlet and turning them off when leaving the room or sleeping.

Inspect cords and controls before each use.
Replace products with exposed wires, scorch marks or damaged fabric.
Do not fold, bunch or place heavy objects on an electric blanket while it is in use.
Do not use a heating pad while sleeping unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose.
Follow the manufacturer’s replacement and care instructions.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

GFCIs help protect people from electrical shock, especially in areas where water may be present.

Test GFCI outlets according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Press the Test button to interrupt power.
Press the Reset button to restore power.
Contact a licensed electrician if the outlet does not trip or reset properly.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters

AFCIs help protect against electrical fires caused by dangerous arcing in damaged wiring, cords or electrical connections. AFCI protection may be installed in the electrical panel or in individual receptacles.

Contact a licensed electrician if:

An AFCI trips repeatedly.
Your home has older wiring.
You hear buzzing or crackling inside walls.
Outlets or switch plates are warm or discolored.
Lights flicker without an obvious cause.

GFCIs are intended to reduce shock hazards, while AFCIs detect certain dangerous electrical arcs that can lead to fires.

Children may not recognize the dangers presented by outlets, cords and electrical equipment.

Use tamper-resistant receptacles: These outlets contain internal shutters that help prevent objects from being inserted into the slots.
Use outlet covers where needed: Make sure covers cannot be easily removed by a child.
Secure cords: Keep charging cables and appliance cords out of reach and away from crib, bed and play areas.
Store appliances safely: Unplug and put away hair dryers, curling irons, toasters and other small appliances.
Cover or relocate power strips: Do not leave unused outlets exposed where children can reach them.
Teach children never to place objects into outlets.
Keep electrical devices away from sinks, tubs and pools.

Tamper-resistant receptacles use internal shutters to help prevent children from inserting foreign objects into outlets.

Inspect tools, cords and plugs before each use.
Use outdoor-rated extension cords and GFCI protection.
Do not use electrical tools in rain or wet conditions.
Unplug tools before adjusting, cleaning or repairing them.
Keep cords away from blades, moving parts and vehicle traffic.
Never carry a tool by its cord or pull the cord to disconnect it.
Immediately disconnect equipment that sparks, smokes or operates unusually.

Stay Back, Stay Alive

Never trust appearances—a downed power line doesn't have to be sparking or humming to be deadly. If you encounter a fallen wire, assume it is fully energized and capable of causing fatal injury.

In the Event of a Vehicle Accident:

If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line, do not exit. Your car and the surrounding ground may be highly energized. Stay inside your vehicle, call 9-1-1, and wait for line crews to confirm the area is de-energized. Your vehicle is your safest shield—staying put could save your life.

Keep Your Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 35 feet (about the length of a school bus) from any downed line or any object it is touching, such as a fence or a tree.
Never Use "Non-Conductive" Objects: Do not attempt to move a wire with a broom, stick, or PVC pipe. Even materials that normally don't conduct electricity can become deadly conductors if they are damp or dirty.
Avoid Standing Water: Electric current can travel through puddles and wet grass. Never approach a downed line near water.
Do Not Drive Over Lines: A downed wire can become entangled in your wheels or undercarriage, energizing the entire vehicle or pulling down additional poles.

Electricity doesn't just sit in the wire; it spreads through the ground like a ripple in a pond. To avoid "step potential"—the difference in voltage between your two feet—you must move away correctly:

Keep your feet together and touching the ground at all times.
Shuffle away using tiny, overlapping steps.
Never lift a foot or take a normal stride until you are at least 35 feet away.

Stay Put: Unless there is an immediate fire, stay inside your car. It is your safest "insulation bubble."
Signal for Help: Honk your horn, roll down your window to shout, and use your phone to call 911. Warn bystanders to stay far away from the vehicle.
The "Clean Jump" (Fire Emergency Only): If you must exit due to fire:
- Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together.
- Do not touch the car and the ground at the same time.
- Once you land, shuffle away until you are at a safe distance.

Almost 50% of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s power lines are buried underground. While underground lines are protected from high winds and accidental vehicle damage, they face another threat when the ground thaws and landscaping, farming and construction projects begin.

Digging into an underground power line can cause an outage for an entire neighborhood. It can also result in serious injury or death. Electric lines are not the only utilities beneath the ground. Gas, water, sewer and telecommunications facilities may also be located within the project area.

Fortunately, one simple step can help keep you, your property and your community safe.

Plan Ahead. Dig Safely.

The service is free, simple and required by North Dakota law.

Calling 811 is free, easy and required before digging. A few minutes of planning can prevent injuries, outages, property damage and costly repairs.

Submit a Locate Request at ND One Call

At least two business days before beginning a project, visit ndonecall.com or call 811 to submit a free locate request.

Be prepared to provide information about:

Where you plan to dig
The type of project you are completing
When the work is scheduled to begin
How deep you expect to dig

North Dakota One Call will notify the appropriate utility companies. Once the request is submitted, utility operators have 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, to respond and mark the approximate locations of their underground facilities.

Wait until all utilities have responded before beginning work. The paint or flags left at the site will serve as your guide for digging safely.

After a locate request is submitted, affected utility operators will mark the approximate locations of their underground facilities using paint, flags or other approved markings.

Before digging:

Confirm all utilities have responded to the request.
Review the markings and make sure they cover the entire project area.
Do not remove or disturb flags and paint while work is underway.
Contact 811 again if markings are missing, unclear or no longer visible.

Utility markings show the approximate horizontal location of buried facilities. Dig carefully and follow North Dakota’s requirements when working near marked lines.

Respect the Tolerance Zone: Use careful and prudent digging methods when working within 2 feet of either side of a marked underground facility.

Expose Lines Safely: Use hand tools or other approved methods to carefully expose the facility before using powered excavation equipment nearby.

Stop if You Find an Unmarked Line: If you uncover a utility that was not marked or discover markings that appear inaccurate, stop work and contact 811 or the utility operator.

Stop digging immediately and keep everyone away from the area. Report any damage to the utility operator, including scrapes, dents or damage to a line’s protective coating.

If the damage results in escaping gas or another hazardous substance:

Leave the area immediately.
Do not operate switches, vehicles or equipment nearby.
Call 911 from a safe location.
Contact the affected utility operator.

Each marking color identifies a different type of underground facility. The markings indicate the approximate horizontal location of underground facilities. Dig carefully near all markings and do not remove flags or disturb paint until the project is complete.

Contact 811 before any project that disturbs the ground, including:

Planting trees or shrubs
Installing fences, signs or mailboxes
Building a deck or patio
Installing drain tile or irrigation systems
Grading, trenching or landscaping
Installing foundations, sheds or other structures

Even small projects can damage a utility. Do not assume an area is clear because you have previously dug there or because the project is shallow.

Farm equipment is becoming larger and more advanced, increasing the risk of accidental contact with power lines, poles and guy wires.

Before entering a field or moving equipment:

Identify electrical hazards.
Review the planned route.
Make sure everyone knows what to do during an electrical emergency.

Locate Electrical Hazards: Identify overhead power lines, poles, guy wires and underground utilities near fields, approaches, storage areas and farmyards.
Check Equipment Height and Width: Know the full dimensions of combines, sprayers, grain augers, air seeders and other equipment. Remember that antennas, raised truck boxes and extended equipment arms can also contact power lines.
Call 811 Before Digging: Contact 811 before installing fences, drain tile, signs, grain bins or other structures. Wait for underground utilities to be marked before beginning work.

Keep 10 Feet Away: Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance between farm equipment and overhead power lines, poles and other electrical infrastructure.
Lower Equipment Before Moving: Retract booms, lower augers and truck boxes, and fold equipment into its transport position before moving between fields or through farmyards.
Use a Spotter: Ask someone to guide you when operating large equipment near power lines or in areas where clearance is difficult to judge. Do not rely only on cameras, sensors or autosteer systems.

Stay in the Cab: If equipment contacts a power line or pole, remain inside the cab. The equipment and surrounding ground may be energized.
Call for Help: Call 911 and Cass County Electric Cooperative immediately. Warn others to remain at least 35 feet away from the equipment, downed lines and damaged poles.
Exit Only if There Is Fire: If smoke or fire makes it necessary to leave, jump clear without touching the equipment and ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, then shuffle or hop away while keeping your feet together.

Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Watch the Wires program provides electrical safety information and resources for farmers, ranchers and contractors who work around large equipment. Learn how to review work routes, assess equipment size, maintain proper clearance and respond safely after contacting electrical infrastructure.

Learn more about Watch the Wires

Contractors work around electrical hazards every day, including overhead power lines, underground utilities and energized equipment.

Before beginning a project, carefully inspect the job site, communicate potential hazards and make sure every worker understands the safety plan.

Taking time to prepare can prevent equipment damage, serious injuries and deadly electrical contact.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep workers, tools, ladders, scaffolding, vehicles and equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Greater clearance may be required for higher-voltage lines.
Use a Dedicated Spotter: Assign a trained spotter when operating cranes, lifts, dump trucks or other tall equipment near power lines. The spotter should focus solely on maintaining proper clearance.
Never Assume a Line Is Insulated: Treat every overhead power line as energized and dangerous. Protective coatings on some lines are not designed to protect people from electrical contact.

Contact 811 Before Digging: Submit a locate request before beginning any project that disturbs the ground, including trenching, grading, drilling, landscaping or installing posts.
Respect Utility Markings: Wait for utilities to be located and marked before work begins. Maintain the required tolerance zone around markings and use appropriate digging methods when working near underground facilities.
Stop if Something Is Unclear: If utility markings are missing, damaged or do not match the work area, stop and contact 811 or the utility owner before continuing.

Stay on the Equipment: If a vehicle or machine contacts a power line, the operator should remain inside the cab and call 911. Warn everyone nearby to stay away until the utility confirms the line is de-energized.
Do Not Touch the Equipment: People on the ground should never approach or touch the equipment, the operator or anything in contact with the power line. Electricity can travel through equipment and the surrounding ground.
Exit Only for Immediate Danger: If fire or another emergency requires the operator to leave, jump clear without touching the equipment and ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, then shuffle away with small steps until safely clear.

Wildfires can threaten homes, communities and critical electrical infrastructure. Cass County Electric Cooperative is committed to reducing wildfire risk while continuing to provide safe, reliable electric service to our members.

Our Wildfire Mitigation Plan

Cass County Electric’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan outlines the proactive steps we take to identify potential hazards, maintain our electrical system and prepare for elevated wildfire conditions.

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Review Cass County Electric Cooperative’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan to learn more about how we prepare for and respond to wildfire risks.

Generators provide essential comfort during an outage, but improper use creates a silent, deadly hazard for both you and utility crews.

Avoid the Danger of "Backfeeding"

Never plug a portable generator directly into a wall outlet. This causes "backfeeding," where high-voltage electricity flows backward through your meter and onto the utility lines. This unexpected surge can electrocute lineworkers who believe the lines they are repairing are de-energized.

Avoid Direct Home Connection: Never plug a generator into a wall outlet or your home's main electrical panel. This creates a lethal "backfeed" of electricity onto our power lines, endangering lineworkers and neighbors.
Use a Transfer Switch: The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s wiring is through a professionally installed transfer switch. This device acts as a gateway that prevents power from leaking back into the grid.
Plug Directly into the Unit: For portable units, plug appliances directly into the outlets on the generator. Use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are free of cuts, frayed wires, or missing grounding prongs.

Proper Grounding: Ensure your generator is correctly grounded according to the manufacturer's manual to prevent electric shocks.
The "Cold Start" Rule: Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite instantly. Always turn the unit off and let it cool before adding fuel.
Keep it Dry: Operate your generator on a level, dry surface under an open-canopy structure. Using a generator in wet conditions can cause electrocution and damage the unit’s internal components.
Maintain Fire Readiness: Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby and ensure it is rated for electrical and fuel fires.

Avoid Overloading: Only use your generator to power essential equipment. Overloading the unit can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to a fire or permanent equipment failure.
The Shutdown Sequence: Before turning off your generator, turn off and unplug all connected appliances. This prevents power surges and protects your electronics.
Follow the Manual: Always keep the manufacturer's instructions with the unit. Never cut corners or bypass safety features to save time.

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