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Power Line and Equipment Safety
Electricity is an essential part of everyday life, but it must always be treated with caution. At SCI REMC, safety is our top priority for our members, employees, and communities. Understanding the electrical equipment maintained by the cooperative around your home and property can help you recognize potential hazards, stay aware of risks, and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
Understanding Utility Poles
A utility pole is a wooden post that supports overhead power lines and other utility equipment such as fiber optic cables, transformers, and streetlights. These poles are part of the system that safely delivers electricity and communication services above ground.
Because utility poles often carry high voltage lines, they can be extremely dangerous if damaged. Never touch or approach a pole, especially if it has been hit by a vehicle or affected by storms. Always stay away and allow trained lineworkers to handle repairs.
In emergencies or unexpected situations, such as accidents or severe weather, utility poles may break or fall. Knowing how to safely stay clear of them can help prevent serious injury.
Because utility poles often carry high voltage lines, they can be extremely dangerous if damaged. Never touch or approach a pole, especially if it has been hit by a vehicle or affected by storms. Always stay away and allow trained lineworkers to handle repairs.
In emergencies or unexpected situations, such as accidents or severe weather, utility poles may break or fall. Knowing how to safely stay clear of them can help prevent serious injury.
Always Assume Lines are Active
Downed power lines may not always look dangerous, but they can carry a strong electrical current that can cause serious injury or death. They can remain energized even if they are arcing, sparking, or lying still on the ground or on objects nearby. Always assume a downed line is live and stay far away. Never attempt to move or approach it, and report it immediately to 911 and SCI REMC. Keeping a safe distance and warning others is critical until trained lineworkers can secure the area.
Electric Lines on a Tree
If a power line falls onto a standing tree, assume the entire tree and anything touching it is energized. Do not touch the tree, branches, or anything nearby. Electricity can travel through wood, especially when it is wet. Stay at least 30 feet away and keep others clear until trained lineworkers arrive.
If a tree falls onto a power line, treat the entire tree as energized as well. Do not attempt to move limbs or cut the tree away from the line. Even if the tree is on the ground, the line may still be live and dangerous. Stay back and report it immediately.
Electric Lines on the Ground or Road
If a downed line is on the ground or across a road, do not approach, step over, or drive over it.
The ground around the line may be energized and unsafe. Stay in your vehicle or a safe distance away. Keep others from entering the area and call 911 immediately.
Electric Lines on Your Vehicle
If a downed line lands on your vehicle, stay inside the car and do not touch any metal parts or attempt to exit. Call 911 immediately.
If the vehicle is on fire and you must exit, jump out with both feet together so you do not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time, then move away using small shuffle steps until you are at a safe distance.
Live Line Safety Demonstration
In the event of an accident involving power lines, knowing what steps to take can be life-saving. Want to educate your school or organization on the dangers of live electric lines? Request SCI REMC’s live line safety demonstration presentation.
Pad-mounted Transformers
Pad-mounted transformers are the green metal boxes found in many neighborhoods. They help deliver electricity to homes and businesses through underground power lines. While they are designed to be safe, they contain high-voltage equipment and should never be opened or tampered with.
- Do not allow children to play on or around transformers.
- Never place objects inside openings or attempt to tamper with the equipment.
- Keep warning labels visible and report any damaged or unlocked transformers to SCI REMC.
- Call 811 before digging anywhere on your property, as underground power lines may extend from the transformer.
- Maintain clear access around the transformer. Keep landscaping, shrubs, and structures at least 10 feet from the front and several feet from the sides.
- Avoid planting too close to the equipment, as it can restrict access and airflow needed for safe operation.
- Keep your electric meter visible and accessible for maintenance and emergencies.
Providing adequate space around transformers helps ensure safe operation and allows crews to quickly access equipment when needed.