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SAFETY


SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY


Our commitment to safety extends to every employee, customer and location served by Oncor. From teaching children to respect the potential dangers of electricity to educating customers and the general public about safety around power lines, Oncor offers support to help you stay safe wherever you are.




Contact with power lines can cause serious injury or death. Never approach, touch, or try to move a downed power line.

REPORT DOWNED POWER LINES

Never approach, touch, or attempt to move a downed power line or any object in contact with a power line. Contact with power lines can cause serious injury or even death.

 

If you see a downed power line:

  • Leave the area immediately and call 911. The 911 operator will contact Oncor directly and manage the situation until our personnel arrive.
  • You can also report downed power lines at 1.888.313.4747.

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WE WANT EVERY KID TO BE A SUPER SAFE KID

To help kids become safety smart, Oncor has created a special website just for them. Videos, and educational materials make learning about electricity interesting and fun. We even have a checklist you and your kids can complete together to promote electric safety in your home.





Oncor linemen teach Sunnyvale students about powerline safety during a Super Safe Kids demonstration.

Trees that grow near power lines are a serious safety risk. Oncor tree crews may prune or remove trees that pose a danger.

REDUCING THE RISK FOR OUTAGES

Trees that grow near power lines pose a serious safety risk. Each year, they are one of the top causes of power outages. Oncor's team of vegetation management experts, including certified arborists and line-qualified tree service providers, work diligently to ensure safe and reliable electric service.

 

Oncor may prune or remove trees that interfere with the reliability and integrity of electrical service within our service area. When this happens, our team follows generally accepted industry guidelines and best practices.

 

Property owners should never prune trees within 10 feet of a power line. Every year in Texas, people are injured and some killed when they climb or prune trees near power lines. Tree branches touching power lines conduct electricity, so be smart and get professional help.

 

For a detailed description about Oncor's right of access to a retail customer's premises, see Tariff for Retail Delivery Service.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW

Tree selection and location are important considerations during landscaping. Keep in mind that trees vary in height once they mature. It's important to choose trees that will enhance your property value without growing into power lines. Selecting the right size tree reduces the need for costly trimming and risk of potential damage. Shrubs and low-growing trees that don't reach power lines help prevent outages for you and your neighbors. Download our "Know Before You Grow" brochure to learn more.

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SMART PREP TO WEATHER THE TEXAS CLIMATE


Dramatic weather can develop quickly in Texas. Extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, and winter storms can be dangerous. Don't be caught off guard. Keep your mobile devices charged when you know bad weather may be on its way, and take steps before bad weather hits to keep you and your family safe.






STORM PREPAREDNESS

Gather essentials now for easy access during bad weather. We suggest your weather emergency supplies include:

  • Flashlight
  • Bottled water
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Shoes to protect your feet after the storm
  • A bike helmet to protect your head from flying objects
  • Storm safety card with the Oncor power outage number, 888.313.4747, and the ESI ID number found on your electric bill
  • A home safety checklist of common indoor and outdoor electrical hazards that you can fix before an emergency to avoid exposure to danger



DuringaStorm

STAYING SAFE DURING A STORM

Follow these safety measures when a storm strikes:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. If you see one, leave the area and call 911.
  • If you are in an auto accident and a power line falls on your car, remain in your vehicle until help arrives. The tires ground the car and protect those inside from electrical shock.
  • Lightning is one of the top storm-related causes of death in the United States. If you hear thunder, lightning can strike any time. so seek shelter or stay indoors.
  • Do not touch objects in contact with power lines — they often conduct electricity.
  • Install surge protectors or unplug electronics and expensive equipment to protect it from power surge damage.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezer doors shut in case you lose power. Refrigerated food will stay cold up to nine hours and frozen foods will be good for up to 24 hours.
  • If you have a portable generator, follow the instructions carefully.  Make sure to operate the generator in a well ventilated area.
  • If you are caught outdoors, find shelter immediately. If you are boating or swimming, get to land as soon as possible and take cover. If no shelter is available, find an open place away from trees, poles and metal objects and squat low to the ground.

STORM PREPAREDNESS

Gather essentials now for easy access during bad weather. We suggest your weather emergency supplies include:

  • Flashlight     
  • Bottled water    
  • Battery-powered radio     
  • Extra batteries   
  • First aid kit   
  • Shoes to protect your feet after the storm   
  • A bike helmet to protect your head from flying objects   
  • Storm safety card with the Oncor power outage number, 888.313.4747, and the ESI ID number found on your electric bill
  • A home safety checklist of common indoor and outdoor electrical hazards that you can fix before an emergency to avoid exposure to danger

DuringaStorm

STAYING SAFE DURING A STORM

Follow these safety measures when a storm strikes:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. If you see one, leave the area and call 911.
  • If you are in an auto accident and a power line falls on your car, remain in your vehicle until help arrives. The tires ground the car and protect those inside from electrical shock.
  • Lightning is one of the top storm-related causes of death in the United States. If you hear thunder, lightning can strike any time. so seek shelter or stay indoors.
  • Do not touch objects in contact with power lines — they often conduct electricity.
  • Install surge protectors or unplug electronics and expensive equipment to protect it from power surge damage.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezer doors shut in case you lose power. Refrigerated food will stay cold up to nine hours and frozen foods will be good for up to 24 hours.
  • If you have a portable generator, follow the instructions carefully.  Make sure to operate the generator in a well ventilated area.
  • If you are caught outdoors, find shelter immediately. If you are boating or swimming, get to land as soon as possible and take cover. If no shelter is available, find an open place away from trees, poles and metal objects and squat low to the ground.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

One simple call to 811 before digging 16 inches or deeper can ensure your safety and avoid costly interference with utility delivery. The "Call Before You Dig" hotline connects you with representatives who can tell you where lines are located and how to avoid them during construction, yard work, or planting.

 

You must call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to request the location of service wires. Digging without calling can endanger you and others and damage underground infrastructure and utility service. Make sure coworkers, landscapers, construction crews, gardeners and others know to call 811 before digging. The call connects you to any affected utilities, including Oncor. The affected companies will mark underground lines at no charge to you. Visit Texas811.org for more information.  





Always call 811 before you dig any hole 16 inches or deeper to avoid hitting an underground power line or service line.





Electricity theft is a safety issue and a crime that could cause electrocution or fires.

THE DANGERS OF ELECTRIC METER TAMPERING

Electricity theft is a safety issue as well as a crime. Many times, those involved are tampering with metering equipment and live electrical wires, resulting in dangerous situations that could cause electrocution or fires-putting others at risk.

 

Oncor is committed to the safety of all Texans. Simply put, no amount of savings is worth the risk of injury or death.

 

To report electric meter tampering, email contactcenter@oncor.com or use the mailing address below.

 

In order to investigate suspected electricity theft, we need the street address, including the city or town, or directions to the location. If the situation presents immediate danger, contact Oncor immediately at 888.313.6862.

 

Oncor
Meter Tampering Investigation
1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., # 2M 012
Dallas, TX 75202