Farm Safety

Use the links below for more information on farm safety.

• Stray Voltage :
  Stray voltage can occur when the electrical system is not properly grounded. (full story)
• Building, Remodeling and Landscaping Safety :
  During the construction, remodeling and planting seasons have Linn County REC help you with electrical service location and inform you of some important safety codes… (full story)
• Iowa One Call :
  Always remember to call Iowa One Call, 1-800-292-8989, at least 48 hours in advance before you do any type of digging…(full story)
• Outdoor Safety :
  Spring and Summer are for working or playing outside, but it is easy to forget about safety precautions. Safety should always be your top priority. Here are some simple tips to follow…(full story)
• Utility Pole Safety :
  Summer is the time for garage sales, graduations and many outdoor events. Unfortunately, many people publicize these events by posting signs on utility poles. But did you know that attaching signs, posters and recreational equipment to utility poles can create a serious hazard for our line personnel? (full story)
• Farm Equipment Safety :
  Four important words could save a life: Look Up And Live! Locate all electrical facilities before moving farm equipment. A quick look around could be a life saver!... (full story)
• Hooking Up Your Standby Generator :
  Adding a standby generator to the electrical system of a home, farm or business requires a suitable transfer switch to disconnect the electric loads from the power supplier’s utility grid.… (full story)
• Grain Bin Safety :
  Before you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact Linn County REC. Linn County REC and Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) will provide assistance in planning…(full story)
• Iowa Electric Code :
  Some of the codes that affect meter or service placement…(full story)
• Resetting Circuit Breakers :
  Instructions for resetting circuit breakers…(full story)

 Jim Flach was a respected farmer, 4-H leader, and champion livestock showman who readily shared his knowledge with others. But a tragic farm accident claimed his life when his crop sprayer touched an overhead electric line. His widow Marilyn tells about the accident that claimed the life of her husband and their three sons, who are carrying on his livestock work, share their thoughts about their late father. All of them urge farmers and operators of large equipment to be more aware of the presence of electric lines and know what to do, should you be involved in a similar accident. To view his story visit our:

For additional information on electrical safety be sure to check out these websites:

• Rural Electricity Resource Council
• Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi)
• Safe Electricity Farm Safety
• National Weather Service Lightning Safety

For famers who live in Linn County REC's service territory we have available for loan a dvd Farm and Ranch Electrical Safety that shows how to work safely around power lines. This is a 20 minute video that can be checked out by calling a member services representative at 319-377-1587.