Outdoor Summer Safety Tips: Power Lines, Cookouts and Landscaping Projects 

June 23, 2025

Summer is officially here in South Carolina, bringing more time outdoors for cookouts, gardening and making memories with family and friends. June is also National Safety Month – a timely reminder to brush up on a few simple ways to stay safe while enjoying the season.  

At Central Electric Power Cooperative, safety is always a top priority—for our 19 member cooperatives and the more than 2 million South Carolinians they serve. As the wholesale power provider for South Carolina’s electric cooperatives, we support the transmission infrastructure that keeps homes and businesses across all 46 counties powered. But with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to electrical safety. 

In recognition of National Safety Month, here are a few key tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe around electricity this summer. 

Be Aware of Power Lines 

Power lines are essential for delivering electricity but can be extremely dangerous if you’re not aware of their location. Always look up and identify overhead power lines before beginning outdoor activities like landscaping, planting trees, playing outside or setting up for a cookout. 

Trees often grow near power lines, and our member cooperatives regularly perform right-of-way maintenance to keep those areas safe. If you have concerns about trees near power lines, contact your electric provider. Never attempt to trim or remove trees near power lines yourself—leave that to the professionals. 

South Carolina’s summer storms can also bring down power lines. If you see one, do not touch it. Call your local utility immediately. Even if the line appears inactive, it could still carry a live current. Stay at least 50 feet away. 

Call 811 Before You Dig 

Before you dig—whether you’re planting a garden, installing a mailbox or starting a larger landscaping project—always call 811. This free, statewide service will mark underground utility lines so you can avoid hitting electric, gas or water lines. 

Knowing what the colored flags or spray paint represent can keep you safe:  

  • Red – Electric power lines 
  • Yellow – Gas, oil, or steam 
  • Orange – Communication lines, cables, or conduit 
  • Blue – Potable (drinkable) water 
  • Purple – Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines 
  • Green – Sewer and drain lines 
  • Pink – Temporary survey markings 
  • White – Proposed excavation 

Even a small project can become dangerous if you accidentally strike a utility line. If that ever happens, call 911 and your electric provider right away. 

Outdoor Electrical Safety 

Enjoying summer in South Carolina means spending time outside—but always be cautious when using electricity outdoors. Keep these safety tips in mind: 

  • Keep all electrical appliances and cords away from water, including sprinklers, pools and wet grass. 
  • Use outdoor-rated, weatherproof outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which quickly cut off power if a fault is detected. 
  • Use extension cords sparingly, and only those labeled for outdoor use. Make sure cords are in good condition—no fraying, cracking or exposed wires. 
  • Leave electrical work to licensed professionals. DIY electrical jobs may seem like a cost-saving idea, but hiring a qualified electrician ensures the work is done safely and correctly. 

Safety Starts with Awareness 

At Central, we’re proud to support the safe, reliable transmission of electricity across South Carolina. But safety starts at home. By staying alert and following a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your summer is safe and enjoyable. 

Learn more about seasonal safety tips from one of our member cooperatives, Mid-Carolina Electric, at https://www.mcecoop.com/outages-safety/safety-tips/.  

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