Contact with overhead power lines is a leading cause of electrical fatalities. Follow these tips from Electrical Safety Foundation International to keep safe from overhead power line contact.
Be aware of power lines around your home. Educating yourself about what’s on the utility pole can help you avoid injury.
Most poles have primary overhead power lines at the top that carry electricity from substations over long distances at high voltage.
A little farther down is often a transformer that looks like a large box or bucket on the pole; this converts energy from the overhead power line to the safer level used in homes and buildings.
Next are the service lines that carry electricity to homes. Telecommunications lines carry services like phone, cable and internet to homes and are often the lowest lines on the pole.
Recognize the electrical service entrance to your home; this area can be dangerous if you come into contact with it.
Keep yourself and any tools at least 10 feet away from any power lines, and never touch anything in contact with a power line. If work needs to be done around a power line, call your electric cooperative first.
Carry ladders and other long tools or equipment horizontally to avoid accidental contact with electricity.
Always assume downed power lines are live. Stay at least 35 feet—or three car lengths—away from a downed line. Electricity can jump, or arc, and cause injury or death.
If you see a downed power line, call 911 and your electric cooperative.
