Safety is Our Priority
At Beltrami Electric Cooperative, our mission goes far beyond simply delivering electricity to your homes and businesses. As a member-owned cooperative, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our community, and that includes ensuring you and your loved ones stay safe.
Electricity is an essential part of our lives, but it must be treated with caution and respect. That’s why we make safety a top priority—because nothing is more important than protecting the people who make up this cooperative: you, our members.
We are committed to sharing life-saving electrical safety information through our print and digital newsletters, social media, and even local radio. But safety awareness isn’t just a one-time conversation; it’s something we must practice every day. In fact, we participate in many events throughout the year, delivering electrical safety presentations to local classrooms and emergency response personnel.
Stay Safe Around Electricity
Whether you’re working on a home improvement project, cleaning gutters, or trimming trees, always be mindful of overhead power lines. Look up and maintain a safe distance, especially from the lines connected to your home. A simple moment of awareness can prevent a dangerous accident.
If your project requires digging—whether for a fence, landscaping, or any underground work—never assume you know what’s below. Call 8-1-1 or visit www.GopherStateOneCall.org a few days in advance to have underground utilities marked. Taking this precaution can prevent accidental contact with buried electrical lines, which could lead to injury or service disruptions.
Protecting Our Children
Our youngest members are naturally curious, and we must teach them how to stay safe around electrical equipment. Remind children to never climb trees near power lines, avoid playing on or around pad-mount transformers (those green utility boxes), and fly kites only in wide-open areas far from power lines. These simple rules can help prevent serious accidents.
Be Prepared for Storms
Severe weather can create hidden electrical hazards, from downed power lines to flooded electrical devices. After a storm, always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous—stay far away and report them immediately. If you experience an outage, know that our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.
A Commitment to Safety Education
Beltrami Electric Cooperative is proud to be a partner in the Safe Electricity program, which provides valuable safety resources for all ages. I encourage you to visit SafeElectricity.org for engaging videos, interactive games for children, and educational materials designed for teachers and families.
You Matter to Us
The United States has one of the safest and most reliable electrical systems in the world—but we believe there is always more we can do to protect our members. Your safety is, and always will be, a top priority for us.
So, as you go about your day, please take a moment to think about electrical safety—for yourself, your family, and your community. Because at the end of the day, there is nothing more important than keeping the people we care about safe.
Stay safe and thank you for being a member.