Power line safety: How to stay safe around overhead power lines

Being around power transmission lines comes with certain risks. In fact, accidentally contacting one can be dangerous, and in some cases, even deadly. Your local electric cooperative wants to help members stay safe around power lines. As a result, we’ve provided you with a list of things you can do to stay safe.

First and foremost, keep a safe distance from power lines

Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to get electricity to your home.

At minimum, stay 10 feet away from transmission power lines. If they are considered “high voltage”, you should stay at least 25 feet away.

Other power line safety tips

In addition to keeping a safe distance, there are other ways you can keep yourself safe around overhead power lines. Make sure you always remember the following:

  • Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
  • Don’t climb trees near power lines.
  • Never fly kites, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.
  • If you get something stuck in a power line, call your local electric cooperative to get it.
  • Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
  • Never touch or go near a downed power line.
  • Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
  • Keep children and pets away.