Public Safety and Education

Call before you dig!

Electricity makes it possible for us to enjoy modern conveniences like air conditioning. Unfortunately, it can also cause property damage, personal injury or death. That's why it's important to understand and pay attention to electrical safety.

Before you break ground to plant a tree, build a fence or perform other digging activities, contact Louisiana One Call at (800)272-3020 or 811 to have underground facilities properly marked. It's free and simple and the law.

The more you know, the more safe you'll be.

Though the electrical system is designed and maintained to deliver electricity safely, dangerous situations can occur.

We subscribe to Electrical Safety World, especially for kids and teachers. It explains electricity, how it can hurt you and what to do in an emergency. It also includes exercises for students and a teacher's guide.

In addition to providing safety information our Web site, we publicly educate adults and kids on the dangers of electricity by visiting schools throughout our service territory, developing video presentations on public safety, developing news releases for the media with seasonal safety tips and investing in public safety advertising.

We also joined forces with other utilities to ensure the passage of the High Voltage Overhead Power Line Safety Act by the Louisiana Legislature. The new law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2002, prohibits any unauthorized persons from working within 10 feet of any high voltage overhead line without 48 hours prior notification to the owner or operator of the lines.