Safety Drives
Everything We Do
Safety stands as one of our core values, defining how we work. We’re dedicated to protecting our employees and the communities we serve, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the moment our team members start their day to the second they head home, safety guides every decision we make.
What To Do When Something Goes Wrong
Electrical emergencies can be scary, but knowing what to do can keep you and your loved ones
safe. Here’s your quick-reference guide for the most common situations:
Downed or Damaged Power Lines
When to call us:
- A tree has fallen on a power line
- A power line is down
- You heard an explosion or loud boom near a power pole or transformer
Stay far away from the power line. Treat every downed line as if it’s live and dangerous, because it probably is.
Electrical Fires
If a fire starts due to an electrical issue:
- Get out. Evacuate everyone to safety immediately.
- Call 911 for emergency help.
- Don’t try to fight an electrical fire yourself unless you have the proper equipment and training.
Living Safely With Electricity
Electricity powers your life, but it demands respect.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe around power lines and electrical systems.
Before You Dig
Planning any digging project?
Call before you dig—it’s the law, and it could save your life.
Call 811 or (888) 721-7877
SC811 will contact all member utilities (including us) to come mark underground lines before you break ground. This service is completely free, and it could prevent a serious accident or costly repairs.
Power Line Safety
The golden rule:
Stay away from utility power lines — both overhead and underground.
Here’s what many people don’t realize: You don’t have to touch a power line to get shocked. If you get close enough, electricity can arc through the air and reach you.
Planning work near a power line?
Contact us first at
We’ll help you do it safely.
Backup Generator Safety
Thinking about installing a backup generator?
Smart move—but do it right. Critical safety requirements:
- Your generator must be installed by a qualified electrician
- Contact Lockhart Power before installation at
- We need to ensure your generator won’t back-feed electricity into our system during an outage (which could seriously injure or kill a line worker trying to restore your power)
This isn’t red tape—it’s life-and-death safety for our crews and your neighbors.
Be Ready When The Lights Go Out
Power outages happen. Weather, accidents, equipment failures—sometimes things just go dark. But you don’t have to be caught unprepared.
Want more guidance?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has excellent resources for building a comprehensive disaster kit.
Pro Tip
Test your kit twice a year—when you change your clocks for
daylight saving time is an easy reminder.
Build a kit and make sure everyone in your household
knows where it is and how to use everything in it.
Light sources:
- Flashlights (the plug-in kind that automatically turn on when power fails are especially helpful during an outage)
- Hand-cranked flashlights (because batteries always die at the worst time)
- Candles and safe lighters/matches
Safety equipment:
- Fire extinguisher (check it periodically to make sure it’s still good)
- First aid kit
Basic supplies:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener (electric ones don’t help much during outages)
Questions About Staying Safe?
We’re here to help. Whether you need guidance on a specific safety concern or want to report a
potential hazard, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Remember: When it comes to electrical safety, there’s no such thing as a silly question. If you’re unsure about something, ask us. We’d much rather answer your question than respond to an emergency.