Overhead Power Line Safety

Overhead lines operate at several thousand volts; keep your distance! Remember the 10-foot rule: When carrying and using ladders and other long tools, keep them at least 10 feet away from all overhead lines - including any lines from the power pole to your home. Look up before raising a ladder or pole to verify that it will not be close to power lines when raised. Use a flashlight or lantern at night to help you see overhead power lines or other hazards. Don’t let children climb trees that are near overhead power lines. Kites or balloons that contact power lines can cause shock or fire, so fly them away from overhead lines. CREC will trim trees near its power lines.  Call us before pruning, trimming or cutting down trees that are near overhead lines. General facts about electricity Electricity always seeks a path to the ground. When you become part of this path, you may be injured or killed. Good conductors include water, your body, tree branches, poles and ladders. General power line safety tips Assume all utility lines are energized. Never touch any utility wire, and do not touch anyone who is in contact with an electric wire. Fallen lines around or on your home If you see a fallen line, fallen tree limbs, as well as anything they are touching-such as puddles and fences, stay far away. Keep pets and children away too. If there is a fallen power line near your home, stay inside unless told by emergency personnel to evacuate. Call 911. Fallen lines around or on your vehicle Move the vehicle away from the line if you can do it safely. Warn others to stay away; anyone on the ground who touches your vehicle could be in danger. If the vehicle is okay (not on fire), stay in the vehicle until an emergency responder indicates it is safe to get out. If you must leave due to other hazards, jump clear of of the vehicle and the fallen lines. Don’t touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Call 911.

 

(Disclaimer: CREC provides this and other safety tips to users to assist in making informed decisions about the use of electric power. Your safety is our number one concern. Use of this information is at your own risk and does not imply that we accept responsibility for accidents that arise in relation to your actions. If you are not sure of your safety when using electric power please, contact CREC or a state licensed electrician.)