Power line safety
Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. We want to make sure you know what to do in potentially dangerous situations.
How to stay safe at or around your home
Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to get electricity to your home. If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. Keep a distance of 35 feet, as the ground around downed power lines may be energized. Assume all power lines are live.
Always remember to:
- Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
- Don’t climb trees near power lines.
- Never fly kites, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.
- If you get something stuck in a power line, call Northeastern REMC to get it.
- If you see someone in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, DO NOT touch him/her. You could become energized as well. Call 911 for assistance.
- Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
- NEVER attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Non-conductive materials like wood or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.
- Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Don’t step in water near downed lines.
Power line hazards and cars
Accidents happen but especially during winter months with adverse road conditions. Would you know what to do if your car crashed into an electric utility pole? Knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death.
If a powerline falls on your vehicle and there is no fire:
Your safest option is to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. The vehicle acts as a path for the electrical current to travel to reach the ground. You are safe inside the vehicle, but if you get out, you could be electrocuted.
If a powerline falls on your vehicle and there is a fire:
- Jump out of the vehicle, making sure no part of your body or clothing touches the ground and vehicle at the same time.
- Land with both feet together and in small, shuffling steps, move at least 40 feet away from the vehicle.
- The ground could be energized. Shuffling away with both feet together decreases the risk of electrical shock.
- Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.
- As in all power line-related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911.
