Storms Down Power Lines - Stay Away!

Springtime can produce strong storms that cause damage from high winds, lightning, and tornados. Much of the time these storms cause power outages and downed powerlines that pose an electrocution hazard to people and animals.

Here are some safety tips from electric utilities about downed powerlines.

• Never approach any type of wire or cable that is on the ground, dangling, or hanging low.


• Treat every line as if it is live. An entergized line may look dead but can be deadly.


• Call your local utility and/or 911 with information about the location of the downed line.


• Keep all persons, children, pets, and livestock away from the area until the hazard is cleared.


• Never drive over downed lines. While the rubber tires may provide some insulation, the tires can become tangled in the wires or cables and cause contact with other areas of the car.


• If a line falls across your car, stay in the car. You will be safe in the car. Do not let anyone attemp to help you out. Call 911 and wait for the proper emergency help.


• If the vehicle is on fire and it is necessary to leave it, keeping both feet together, jump clear of the car, avoiding any wires that might be on the ground. Stay calm and jump carefully so that you don’t fall back against the car or touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Then shuffle with both feet together clear of the area, keeping both feet on the ground and touching at all times. Continue shuffling for at least 30 feet from the accident site.


• Be aware of powerline that may be in contact with trees and/or fences and stay far back from these electricution hazards.


• Don't touch anyone that is in contact with a live powerline. Wait for trained emergency help.


• Be aware of the posibility of downed powerlines at the scene of an automobile accident that may have impacted a utility pole.

Electricity KILLS! Stay AWARE!

How Do You Have A Rodeo Without Bulls Or Horses?

How can you have a rodeo where hard hats replace cowboy hats? Easy, you have a "Lineman's Rodeo". At events all across the nation you'll find electric utility lineman practicing their safety and work practices with a friendly competition; that's the Lineman's Rodeo.

The same professional lineworkers that keep the electricity flowing to our homes and jobs like to hone and showoff their skills at these family friendly events. Your local power utility company support these rodeos to help linemen polish their climbing abilities within a safe training enviroment.

These rodeos are a great opportunity for the public to see lineman performing difficult construction task while easily climbing towering wood poles. The lineman's specialized equipment is designed for safety, and allows access to servicing overhead powerlines.

Contact your local power utiltiy for information on a Lineman's Rodeo in your area. Take the family for a days outing that you are sure to enjoy. And unlike some "rodeos" you don't have to watch where you step.