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Category: Safety

SUNDAY UPDATE-INVEST MODELS SHOW FL SWING

SUNDAY WEATHER UPDATE – the models have changed

This morning’s forecast and models  of the system we’ve been watching show that the projected track has changed. The models are split now –  some showing the system turning NW after entering the Gulf and moving across Central and Northern Florida.  The NHC forecast states that gusty winds and heavy rainfall will hit South Florida and The Keys later today.  The NHC warns that the central and northern Florida and the eastern Gulf areas should monitor the disturbance.  A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system this afternoon.  We will send out another update after that.
SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.  Members should ensure their smartphones/tablets are charged and report outages online through Storm Center.

 

SECO is urging members to always be prepared. View our emergency checklist. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting your area.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings.Learn more about generator safety here.

SECO Monitoring Atlantic Storms

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most active period in the Atlantic Hurricane season begins in mid-August and ends in mid-October. SECO Energy continues to monitor tropical depression Invest 99 and the possibility it could make landfall in Florida early next week.

 

As of late Thursday afternoon, tropical wave Invest 99 is an unorganized, broad area of low pressure moving westward at 15 to 20 mph through the southeastern Bahamas. Winds associated with the system have decreased to below tropical storm strength.

 

Spaghetti models are predicting possible landfall in southern Florida or continue into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. If conditions are favorable, the depression could strengthen and become Hurricane Hermine as early as Friday. At that point, the storm could pick up steam and make landfall again somewhere on Florida’s west coast. This system could bring heavy rain and winds to SECO’s service area early next week.

 

Even though it is too early to predict when and how Central Florida will be affected, SECO is urging members to make preparations in advance. SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members on our website.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “It has been 11 years since Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida, and members may feel confident that Florida will continue to be lucky and larger storms will pass us by. Emergency supplies sell out quickly when storm watches and warnings go into effect, gather your supplies beforehand. I urge all SECO members to prepare for the possibility of increased storm activity during this peak time.”

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit our website to learn more about generator safety.

SECO Warns Pokémon Go Users to Play Safe

SECO Energy, is reminding Pokémon Go users to stay away from overhead power lines, transformers and substations. When collecting Pokémons in the popular virtual reality game, electrical safety rules still apply.

 

Users playing Pokémon Go, collect Pokémons in various public locations. Players use their phones to hunt for virtual Pokémons in the real world and then train, battle and capture other Pokémons.

 

Use caution when playing the game and don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a dangerous situation. Always assume any electric line is energized, Pokémons can appear anywhere, and some “electric” type characters may appear near electric equipment.

 

SECO Warns Pokémon Go Users to Play Safe

 

Important safety tips:

  • Stay away from all electric utility equipment, including lines, transformers, work sites and substations
  • Do not climb power poles
  • Report any downed power lines immediately and stay away
  • Do not allow children to play near lines, including climbing trees or flying kites near overhead power lines

 

A special warning is issued to parents, children playing the game may not be aware of the dangers of electricity. When playing Pokémon Go, or playing in general, urge children to never play near electric equipment.

 

Visit our Electrical Safety page to learn more  and, “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

Elementary Students Learn About Electrical Safety

Gus Kornegay, Energy Services Specialist, presented SECO Energy’s “Kids and Electrical Safety” presentation to almost 200 elementary students at The Villages Charter Elementary School on Thursday, July 7.

 

“Kids and Electrical Safety” is a visual display that uses lights and sounds to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. Specifically designed for grade school students, children are encouraged to pay attention to the dangers of electricity in the home and while playing outside. Gus also advised the children to share their new-found knowledge with their parents.

 

Gus kept the children’s attention by displaying some of the personal protective gear utility workers wear when working with electricity. The children gathered close to get a good look at Gus’s hard hat, gloves, safety glasses and the fire retardant clothing he wears.

 

SECO Energy, Elementary Students Learn About Electrical Safety

 

As a father of three and a utility employee, Gus has a unique understanding of the risks electricity poses to children. “Our children may not realize how many times a day they, or their parents, are using electricity. Kids should be taught early to recognize the hazards of electricity. This knowledge could help keep them and their parents safe and may save their life.”

 

After the presentation, Gus answered the students’ questions and each child received a small gift courtesy of SECO. Commitment to community support and education are important focuses for a not-for-profit electric cooperative like SECO Energy, and the cooperative purpose differentiates the company from other electric providers in this area.

 

SECO Energy offers a variety of topics and speakers available for groups of any age and size. Are you a leader or member of a group or organization that would like to learn more about energy efficiency or electric safety? Contact SECO to request a speaker at www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

Don’t be a Safety Statistic

SECO Energy considers the safety of its employees its most important core value. SECO employees pay critical attention to electrical safety by wearing personal protective gear (PPE) and utilizing the latest safety standards and equipment.

 

Just as SECO Energy employees use specialized PPE to protect themselves while working with electricity, consumers should protect themselves from electrical hazards. Consumers use electricity daily to cook meals, cool our homes, power televisions and other electronic gadgets. Electricity may seem commonplace, but consumers need to remember that electricity can cause injuries such as burns and shocks, which can be fatal.

 

SECO Energy, Don’t be a Safety Statistic

 

Don’t be a safety statistic. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are more than 400 people electrocuted each year. Electricity is the cause of more than 140,000 fires with 4,000 injuries and 400 deaths and results in property damage of $1.6 billion. Electricity is also to blame for 300 workplace fatalities and approximately 4,000 injuries at work according to the National Safety Council.

 

Follow these top ten electrical safety tips so that you don’t become a safety statistic:

  1.  Before working near electric equipment, survey the work area for hazards
  2.  Always assume any overhead line is energized and dangerous
  3.  Report downed lines as soon as possible
  4.  Remain clear of downed power lines
  5. Keep ladders and equipment away from overhead lines
  6.  Repair appliances that smoke, spark or shock
  7.  Unplug appliances during cleaning or servicing
  8.  Replace frayed power or extension cords
  9.  Caution children to never play near underground transformer boxes or substations
  10.  If you are in a car accident involving downed wires, stay in the vehicle until help arrives

 

CEO Jim Duncan states, “SECO Energy employees are dedicated to safety and are acutely aware that our industry is dangerous. We don’t compromise safety standards, and we watch out for each other, our members and the general public.”

 

For more information about electrical safety visit SECO Energy’s Safety page at www.secoenergy.com. Are you a member or leader of a group who is interested in a presentation about electrical safety? SECO has speakers and presentations about electrical safety available for all age groups. Contact SECO online, or call 352-793-3801 to request a speaker for your group.

The SAFE ZONE: Landscaping Safely

SECO Energy Service’s employees are out and about in the community inspecting the underground padmount transformers (big green above-ground boxes) to ensure that Operations employees can quickly and safely access the transformers to perform maintenance and in the event of a power outage. During the access investigations, a SECO employee may contact you directly or leave a door hanger when plants, shrubs or fences are inside the SAFE ZONE and too close to transformers.

 

SECO is communicating with members proactively and giving them time to relocate plants, shrubs, fences or other obstructions that have been placed near transformers. This clearance is required so that SECO’s access to the equipment is not impeded and so that employee safety is not compromised. Equally important, safe access to equipment reduces outage duration for SECO members. After SECO has communicated the need to transplant or remove an obstruction and the member fails to comply, the company must take action.

 

The SAFE ZONE: Landscaping Safely

 

For the safety of SECO employees and reduced outage duration, please heed the SAFE ZONE. Keep fences and plants at least 10 feet away from the front of the transformer where the lock is located and 3 feet away from the sides. Please visit the Landscaping Safely section of our website to learn more, send your questions in this handy form or call 352-793-3801.

 

Currently, access investigations are underway in the Plantation at Leesburg, Legacy of Leesburg and the Center Hill area.