Safety Center
Safety first. Always.
Everything your household should know about electricity, natural gas, carbon monoxide — and the scammers who pretend to be us.
Electric Safety
Simple rules that prevent the most common electrical injuries — outdoors and at home.
Outside
- Treat every downed wire as live. Keep your distance and report it immediately
- Keep ladders, tools, and yourself at least 10 feet from overhead lines — and use fiberglass, never metal
- If a line falls on your car, stay inside, honk for help, and warn others away
- Stay clear of anything marked "Danger — High Voltage," including substation fences
- Use only outdoor-rated cords and covered outlets outside
At Home
- Replace frayed cords — never tape or mend them. Damaged cords are a leading fire cause
- Use extension cords sparingly and temporarily; overloaded cords overheat
- Never run cords under rugs or staple them to walls
- Keep appliances well away from sinks and tubs — and never retrieve one from water while plugged in
- Check outlets regularly for heat, discoloration, or loose connections
Natural Gas Safety
Gas leaks announce themselves: a rotten-egg smell, a hissing sound, or dirt blowing near a gas line.
- Smell gas? Don't flip switches, use phones, or light flames — just leave
- Once outside, call 911 or 1-800-555-0199. Never report a leak by email
- Call 811 before any digging project, even planting a tree
Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO is invisible and odorless — alarms are your only warning.
- Install CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas; test monthly
- Never run generators, grills, or vehicles in garages or indoors
- Headache, dizziness, and nausea together can signal CO — get fresh air and call 911
Scam Awareness
We will never demand a gift card
Impersonation scams spike during heat waves and holidays. Real CivicPower representatives never pressure you to pay instantly, and every field employee carries photo identification you're entitled to inspect.
Report a scam attemptThe tell-tale signs
- Demands for immediate payment by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency — we never accept these
- Threats to shut off power "within the hour" — real disconnection notices arrive in writing, weeks ahead
- Callers who won't verify your account details — hang up and call 1-800-555-0100 yourself
- Unannounced "workers" without photo ID — keep the door closed and call to verify
Weather Coming? Get Ready Early.
Storm preparedness is safety, too — see how to protect your household before high winds arrive.