Electricity can be dangerous. Coming into contact with electrical wires can cause serious injury or even death. SCE has provided this fact sheet that includes tips to help you stay safe around power lines.
Safety Around Power Lines
Remember to look up and look out for power lines when outdoors. It is not uncommon for trees to fall during high winds, rain, and other stormy conditions; these can damage power lines. Objects such as metallic balloons and kites can also cause power outages if not handled properly.
Downed Wires If You See a Downed Wire, Call 911 Right Away
If a person or piece of equipment comes in contact with an energized power line, or if a power line has fallen to the ground: Stay clear of the area and do not touch the person or any equipment involved. Always assume that all wires are energized. Call 911. Inform the operator that it’s an electrical emergency. Freeing a person or animal from energized power lines or equipment should only be attempted by a qualified electrical worker.
Overhead Electric Line Safety Avoid Overhead Power Lines – Look Up and Live Remind your family and loved ones to be aware of overhead power lines, and to keep a safe distance when working near them. Stay clear and do not touch the power lines. Do not remove anything caught in electric lines, not even an animal. Instead, call SCE at (800) 611-1911 or call 911.
Working Around Overhead Power Lines
When you need to work around electric overhead lines, follow this rule: keep everything at least 10 feet away from the lines, including all persons, machinery, equipment, and objects that extend above your head such as scaffolding tools, boat masts, fruit picking poles, antennas, satellite dishes, pool skimmers and ladders. If it looks like the power lines will be in your way, or if you have concerns about working near the power lines, call SCE at (800) 611-1911 before doing any work.
Underground Electric Line Safety Know What’s Below
Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences. Every digging job requires a call – from small projects, such as planting trees and shrubs, to even larger construction projects. Digging without calling can disrupt utility service to an entire neighborhood and harm you and those around you.
Power Line Safety and Vehicles If You Are In a Vehicle Upon Which a Downed Wire Has Fallen
Stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. Use a cell phone to call 911 for help. Warn others to stay away and not to touch the vehicle, and direct them to call 911 if you are unable to do so. Follow these tips only if the situation necessitates you to leave the vehicle (for example, if it is on fire): Before you open the vehicle’s window or door, make sure the window or door are free of anything in contact with the ground. Possible obstructions include trees and fire hydrants. Jump clear of the vehicle without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Be careful not to fall back against the vehicle and to avoid any wires on the ground. Shuffle your feet as you walk away, and keep shuffling until you are a significant distance away.
Specialized Materials Available
SCE has free materials available for educators and those who work around power lines (such as contractors, agricultural workers, first responders, pilots and more). To learn more, visit www.sce.com/safety