Power lines are a vital part of the electrical transmission and distribution system, but they can also be dangerous. CoServ linemen have years of training and are equipped with insulated gear to keep them safe when they work on the lines.
The general public should never touch, play or get near power lines. Here are some simple safety rules to keep yourself and others safe around power lines and distribution lines:
Downed power lines
Downed power lines are dangerous. Always assume that a fallen line is energized and follow these guidelines
- Call 911 immediately to report the fallen line
- Avoid touching the line with your hand or an object
- Avoid touching anything that may be in contact with the energized area, for example equipment, a car or a person
- Avoid driving over a fallen line
- Keep children and pets away from fallen lines
Follow these safety tips if a fallen power line touches your car
- Stay inside your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
- Sound the horn, roll down the window and call for help.
- Warn others to stay away. Anyone that touches the ground, equipment or car can be injured.
- Wait until the fire department, police or CoServ workers tell you it’s safe to exit.
If a fire starts
- Remove loose items of clothing
- Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle, landing with feet together. Do not touch the vehicle when exiting.
- Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.
Follow these safety tips when around power lines
- Never climb power poles or transmission towers.
A typical overhead line carries thousands of volts of electricity. Major transmission line voltage could be as high as 500,000 volts. Both can deliver a deadly shock instantly if you come in contact with them. - Never climb trees near power lines.
The human body is an excellent conductor of electricity and you could become its path from the lines to the ground, resulting in serious or even deadly injuries. - Keep ladders, antennas, kites, flags and poles away from power lines. Remember – power lines are not insulated. If you are touching something that comes in contact with a power line, you could receive a deadly electrical shock. Be extra careful with kites and Mylar balloons, they can cause an outage or fire if they come in contact with overhead electric lines.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
Always assume a downed power line is live and life-threatening. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove a person or animal caught in power lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or any other object from a downed line. If you see a downed line, call 911 and then call CoServ Electric’s emergency number (844) 330-0762. - Never drive over a downed line or under a low-hanging line.
Beware of downed lines touching a vehicle. Stay away from the vehicle and the line. If a power line hits your car while you're inside, stay put and wait for help. If the car catches fire, then jump clear with both feet together without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away while keeping both feet on the ground. - Know what’s below before digging.
Avoid digging, drilling or excavating before having underground lines marked. Call Texas 811 by dialing ‘811’ or go to www.texas811.org for more info.
Practicing good safety habits around power lines will keep you and your loved ones safe!
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