This hunting season, REC encourages all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. 

“A lot of REC members enjoy hunting season,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations. “We want them to do so safely and remember that shooting at utility facilities is dangerous, jeopardizes everyone’s power and is a felony in Virginia.”

Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors: 

• Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. 
• Do not shoot at or near utility facilities – wires, poles and insulators. 
• Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
• Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. 
• Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution. 
• Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any non-electrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards REC line crews. 

For more safety tips from REC, visit: https://myrec.coop/safety.