Electrical Safety Tips
Electricity travels the path of least resistance. If you come in contact with electricity, it can pass through your body, causing serious injury or death. Knowing what to do and what not to do around power lines can save lives - even yours!
Here are a few simple precautions that can help you be safe around electricity.
Downed Lines
If you see a fallen power line, call us immediately at 503-397-1844. Call 911 if it is a medical or life-threatening emergency.
Never touch a downed power line. Always assume all downed lines to be energized and contact us immediately. Stay at least 100' away.
Remember, if a power line is touching someone, stay away. If you attempt rescue, you could easily become a victim yourself. Call for emergency help. If you have a way to disconnect the power source, do so.
If a downed power line falls across your vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Do not get out unless the vehicle is on fire! If you must get out of the vehicle, try to do so without touching both the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Jump from the vehicle, landing with your feet together on the ground. Shuffle or hop from the vehicle until you are at least 100' away; if you walk or run, your legs may bridge current from areas of high and low voltage, resulting in electric shock.
Around the Home
When installing any kind of antenna (TV, radio, CB) at your home, be sure there is adequate clearance between the antenna and overhead power lines. The minimum clearance recommended is 10 feet or twice the antenna height, whichever is greater.
Keep electrical equipment away from pools, spas and wet surfaces. Don't touch any electrical appliance or tool if you are wet or touching water.
Before you prune, trim or cut down trees near overhead electrical lines, call us at 503-397-1844. Tree limbs, tools and ladders touching power lines can electrocute you. For more information on tree trimming near power lines, contact us at 503-397-1844.
Underground power lines might be buried as shallow as 18 inches. If your shovel cuts a power line, electricity could pass through the shovel, injuring you. If you plan to dig near buried power lines, first call the Oregon Utility Notification Center at 1-800-332-2344. They will inform you of the location and type of any buried lines in the area.
Trees
In the vicinity of power lines, the choice of trees to plant is especially important. The best trees to plant near power lines grow no taller than 35 feet.
When a tree has power lines running through the branches, stay away from it! Don't climb it, and call us immediately at 503-397-1844 if any branches get caught in the lines.
Tips for Kids
Electricity is dangerous! Teach your kids the steps to take to remain safe:
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Stay away from substation fences, utility poles and electrical equipment.
- Electricity and water don't mix. Never touch anything electrical when you are wet or touching water.
- Never climb a tree when there are electrical wires near it.
- Fly kites in open fields - not near overhead power lines. If your kite does gets caught in a power line, don't try to get it untangled. Call us at 503-397-1844.