Spring storm season, along with warmer weather, has arrived in Louisiana, and Cleco offers electrical safety tips to help customers prepare for both.

“Spring storms can bring a variety of hazards, including damaging gusts of wind, lightning, hail, heavy rain and tornadoes. With the warmer spring, customers will also be spending more time outdoors,” said John Melancon, director of corporate safety at Cleco. “Whether customers are preparing for a severe spring storm or doing yard work, the onset of spring is a good time to check the electrical safety of homes and businesses, inside and out. Being aware of potentially dangerous situations will help us stay safe throughout the year.

Cleco offers the following electrical safety tips:
• While tornadoes can occur year-round, they are most common in southern states during the spring months.
• Remember that lightning can cause power surges. Unplug appliances before a storm hits.
• Stay away from power lines and anything they might touch and report downed lines immediately by calling Cleco at 1-800-622-6537.
• If a power line falls on your car while you are inside, stay where you are until help arrives. Do not touch anything outside the car or try to get out. If you have to get out, open the door and jump without touching the ground and the car at the same time.
• Make sure portable radios, flashlights and fresh batteries are available.
• Take precautions for yourself and for those around you who have special needs. Plan for medications that require refrigeration or equipment that requires electricity. Have a cooler handy to cool medications or contact your health care provider for assistance.
• Change the batteries of the smoke detectors.
• Call 811 before digging to ensure no contact is made with buried power lines.
• Keep power cords and electrical equipment away from wet areas.
• Inspect all power tools for damage.
• Keep all ladders at least 10 feet from power lines.
• Supervise children playing outside. Do not climb trees near power lines. When flying kites, be sure to fly them in open areas and away from power lines. Electricity can travel along a kite’s string and cause injury.
• Stay away from downed power lines and anything they touch.
• Power lines may be hidden by foliage. Contact Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 if you have any concerns about tree branches growing into overhead power lines.

For more safety tips and updates, follow Cleco on Facebook @ClecoPower.