Look up

• Always be aware of the location of overhead power lines. Be careful not to lift or move any long or tall items such as gutters, ladders or irrigation pipes near power lines – they can conduct electricity through you. Stay at least 10 feet away from the line and anything that may be touching the line.
• Be sure to check for power lines in or near trees before pruning branches. If a power line is near, call us at 1-888-221-7070. 
• Fly kites out of the way of power lines. 

Call before you dig

• Call 811 at least 48 hours before you dig to have underground lines located. Remember to call before you plant a tree, dig holes for fence posts or install underground sprinklers. 

Stay away from downed power lines

• When things fall (trees, tree branches, utility poles), power lines may have fallen too.
• NEVER touch or go near a fallen power line.
• Do not touch or go near anything that a wire is touching.
• Stay at least 35 feet away.
• Always assume a downed line is energized.
• Call 911 and then call us at 1-888-221-7070 for help.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• If a power line falls across your car while you are inside: 
  • Stay inside the vehicle because attempting to leave could electrocute you.
  • Drive the car away from the power line if possible; if not, stay put until help arrives.
  • If you must exit the car due to fire or other life-threatening emergency:
    • Position yourself, without touching the ground, so that you can JUMP clear of the vehicle. 
    • As you jump, fold your arms in front of you so you are not touching the vehicle and jump landing with both feet on the ground at the same time. 
    • After landing on the ground, shuffle further away, keeping both feet touching the ground at all times.
    • Shuffle at least 35 feet away.

Using generators safely

• It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the safe use of portable electric generators and portable power stations. Generators also require proper storage, access to fuel and regular safety checks.

Inside your home

• Keep appliances away from water and always make sure your hands are dry when using them.
• Make sure outlets near water sources have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to shut off power in time to prevent serious injury. GFCIs should be used in bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks and outdoors. If your outlet has red and black "test" and "reset" buttons, it has a GFCI.
• Repair or replace an appliance if the cord is frayed.
• Childproof outlets.
• Never exceed the extension cords' load rating.
• Use three-pronged plugs only in three-pronged outlets. Never remove a prong from three-pronged plugs.

Safety reminders for children

• Never climb power poles, transmission towers or substation fences. If a tree is near a power line, do not build forts or climb in it.
• Fly kites far away from power lines – if a kite does get caught in a power line, release the string at once.
• Never enter a substation to retrieve toys. The equipment is dangerous.
• Don’t play on or dig near pad-mounted transformers (big, green metal boxes found in neighborhoods and parks).
• Seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms. 

Fun activities for kids

Learn about electrical safety and more with Louie the Lightning Bug®.