Look up! Stay safe this summer and make sure you’re aware of overhead wires before tackling any outdoor projects, such as tree trimming, gutter cleaning or warm weather house painting.
“When painting or cleaning gutters, secure your ladder to prevent it sliding into a power line,” said Gene Morris, safety manager for Clark Public Utilities. “Be careful when trimming trees, and don’t touch overhead lines with long-handled equipment. It could be fatal.”
When working in trees, keep an eye out for power lines. Once in the tree, cables are harder to see because they blend in with the branches. If a tree grows into a power line, don’t attempt to trim it. Go to the utility’s website and fill out the form to have a utility crew do the job.
“We suggest homeowners landscape wisely near power lines,” said Morris. “Before planting new trees, make sure they grow no taller than 25 feet. You can find a list of trees on our website that are safe to plant near power lines.”
Power lines aren’t always up in the air. Some are in the ground. If your outdoor projects include tree planting, fence building or anything that requires digging, the last thing you want is to run into a power, gas or cable line. You could disconnect neighbors — or worse, harm yourself.
Save yourself problems. Dial the “Call Before You Dig” line at 811 or 800-424-5555 or visit www.callbeforeyoudig.org/washington/index.asp. Go online or phone at least two business days before you want to dig and ask for help in locating underground power and other utility lines. The utility and other service providers will inspect your property and mark the incoming lines with five colors: red for an electric power line; blue for a water line; green for sewer lines; yellow for natural gas; and orange for cable or phone lines.
Water and electricity don’t mix. That’s why you should be extra careful around any outdoor fountains, spas or pools. Learn where the circuit breaker is for any of these water features and educate family members about how to turn off the power in case of an emergency.
Morris advises keeping electrical cords and appliances five feet from water and against using power tools, such as electric mowers, blowers, edgers, in wet conditions.
Outdoor outlets should have ground-fault circuit-interrupters that immediately turn off electricity to an appliance when it detects a “drain” in an electrical circuit. For safety, purchase a portable GFCI to use with outdoor equipment. You can find one for about $20 to $30.
Teach your children about electricity “danger zones.” Tell them to stay clear and at least 30 feet away from a downed line, because no one can tell if it’s live or not. Explain they shouldn’t touch or move an electrical line for any reason. Make them aware electricity can “spread” across wet ground or pavement. Report downed power lines immediately to 360-992-8000. Keep everyone away from the live wire until help arrives.
Remind children that green transformer boxes and trees with power lines close by are also high-voltage “danger zones.” Tell them that substations contain harmful high-voltage equipment and climbing substation fences is dangerous. If any toys accidentally fly over a substation fence, it’s only lost temporarily. Call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3000 and an employee will be happy to retrieve it.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
