Electrical Safety Tips
Courtesy of NRECA, Texas Co-op Power and Matt Alderson, manager of safety and operational support
Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines might look harmless but don’t be fooled. They likely carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. These tips can help you stay safe around downed lines.
- Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them.
- Move away from a downed power line by shuffling your feet with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
- Call 911 if you see someone in direct or indirect contact with the downed line. Do not touch the person.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick.
- Do not put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
- Do not drive over downed lines.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Comes in Contact with a Power Line
- Stay in the vehicle.
- Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
- If you must leave because of a fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet togehter and avoid making contact with the energized vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Never try to help someone from the vehicle.
Power Line Safety in Your Neighborhood:
- Always look for nearby power lines before you begin to cut down any tree or trim branches. If a tree falls into a power line, Central Electric Cooperative (CEC).
- Treat all power lines as energized.
- Never climb or attempt to handle a tree that has a limb caught in a power line. You may not see any visible evidence that the tree is “electrified” or dangerous.
- Maintain required clearances between equipment and power lines.
- Notify the fire department or CEC if a fire starts due to a downed power line.
- Do not use water on or near a fallen power line.
- Do not plant trees directly under or near power lines.
