Respect the power of electricity

By Mark Parker CEC President & CEO

Dr. Bill King Asst. Sec./Treas.

W.B. Smith Chairman

Electricity is a powerful and dynamic source of energy. If you look around, you’ll likely find you’re within several feet of a device, appliance or machine powered by electricity. We’re surrounded by it so often that we sometimes take it for granted and forget that it can be dangerous.

request. You can supplement those lessons at home in age-appropriate ways, like the activity we included on Page 5. We also conduct a program for first responders to equip them with knowledge to keep themselves and others safe around power lines or other electrical dangers when assisting victims in an emergency.

C. Heflin Smith Vice Chairman

Trey Martin

Our line workers come face-to-face with high-voltage electricity every day to bring power to the homes and businesses in our service area. They’re aware of the occupational hazards, and Covington Electric Cooperative ensures they are trained on the best safety practices involved in any situation they may encounter on the job. We want them to have all the tools and knowledge to protect themselves so they return home to their families at the end of the workday.

Patricia Janasky Sec./Treas.

Headquarters: 18836 U.S. Highway 84

Andalusia, AL 36421

334-222-4121

1-800-239-4121

Fax: 334-222-1546

Main/Enterprise Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Report Power Outages

1-800-239-1193 covington.coop

Safety has been a core priority of Covington Electric Cooperative since it was formed in 1944. We are laser-focused on protecting the health and well-being of our employees and our members and their families. A misstep around electricity can cause serious bodily injury and major property damage in an instant. Mistakes can happen to anyone, but many home electrical fires, injuries and electrocutions can be prevented when we understand and practice electrical safety.

Throughout the year, CEC teaches children about electricity — how it works and how to avoid electrical safety hazards. Our employees visit schools and attend special events to conduct electrical safety demonstrations upon

CEC wants everyone to be safe around our equipment. When working outside, members should always look for overhead power lines. Never touch a power line with a part of your body or with any object, and never cross a substation fence. Also, don’t cut trees near overhead power lines until you have met with a CEC representative. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and dangerous. Call us immediately and then report it to 911.

If you’re going to do any kind of project on your property that requires digging, call 811 first. Professionals will be sent to the site and mark the approximate locations of underground power lines with flags or spray paint for free.

Electricity is essential. It powers our hospitals, factories and schools. It makes going about our day-to-day activities more convenient and our lives more comfortable. But we must not forget the danger that comes with that power.

You can trust that safety is an ongoing conversation at CEC as we strive to provide members with continued education and community outreach, as well as safety tools, resources and programs to help keep you and your families safe.

Until next time, stay safe! 

Covington Electric Cooperative offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, in honor of Memorial Day.

As always, CEC members can call 800-239-1193 to report a power outage.