Education & Safety
Storms: What you need to know
Do you know how to prepare for the worst winter has to offer? Check out our storm tips for the information you need to know. More
Be Safe
The safety of our customers, employees and community is SMUD's top priority. To ensure that we all enjoy the benefits of safe, reliable electricity, SMUD encourages you to become an expert on electrical safety.
Downed power lines
Call SMUD at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) or 911 to report a downed line.
If overhead power lines are downed for any reason, stay clear. Do not touch the wires. If the downed power lines have fallen on a motor vehicle, avoid contact with the vehicle; it has probably been electrified and deadly shock could result if you touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Stay clear until you are sure the power is shut off.
Indoor tips
Information about home heating, storm preparation, power outages and SMUD worker idenfitication. More
Outdoor tips
Learn about underground power lines, overhead power lines, transformers, home generators and water safety. More
Natural gas pipeline
SMUD asks for your help in preventing accidental damage to its pipeline. More
Electric and magnetic fields
Questions have been raised about the possible health effects of being exposed to 60-hertz electric and magnetic fields. More
This month's safety tip
Water and electricity don't mix!
- Don't place any electrical appliances near water, sinks or bathtubs.
- Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use.
- If you have an appliance that gets wet, unplug it and don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person.
Substations
Electrical substations contain high voltage equipment -- never allow children to play near them.
Recreation
Avoid electrical hazards when using recreational equipment:
- Never cast fishing lines under power lines.
- Fly kites and model airplanes away from power lines. If a kite does get hung up on a power line or tree near an overhead line, don't try to pull it down or climb on anything to get it. Call SMUD at 916-452-3211 and we'll get it down for you. More
Don't let children play or climb on wooden utility poles or metal transmission towers or any trees that may bring them into contact with power lines.
Underground utility lines
Learn the location of any underground utilities near your home. Call Underground Service Alert at 1-800-227-2600 at least two working days before digging.
Clear eight feet around transformer boxes located in your yard.
Contractor safety
SMUD provides useful safety information for contractors working in our service territory. More
Electrical safety world
Visit our Energy Education section for fun and educational games for children of all ages. More
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