The best way to stay safe around power lines is to avoid contact!
Follow these tips to protect yourself, whether the lines are overhead, down on the ground, or buried below it.
Downed Power Lines
Stormy weather or high winds can send power lines onto the street or into your yard. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe around downed power lines.
- Treat any downed power line as if it is energized.
- Electrocution dangers are real. If you see a fallen line, keep your distance.
- Call 911 if a downed line is crossing a roadway or endangering the public.
- If the line is on your private property and poses no danger to others, report it to us at (903) 763-2203.
Powerline Clearances
Look Up – Overhead Line Safety
- When working or playing, always know where overhead power lines are so you can avoid contact.
- Use non-conductive ladders when working near power sources.
- Always stay at least 10 feet away from all power lines.
- Contact the cooperative if you need to work closer to temporarily de-energize the line.
Look Down – Underground Line Safety
- When digging, call 811 to have utilities mark the locations of underground lines. It’s free to call and the lines are marked in a couple of days.
- Cutting into a line can cause severe injury or electrocution, and also thousands of dollars in damage.
- The person who damages the lines is usually responsible for those costs.