Electric Safety

Respect the power of electricity

Always assume an overhead line is energized and, therefore, dangerous because even the slightest contact with electricity can seriously injure or kill.

Always follow these tips when performing chores or activities around electrical equipment. And teach your children to recognize and respect overhead lines.

• Look up to locate all power lines near your home, work or play areas.
• Always keep yourself and any tool or equipment you may be using at least 10-feet away from overhead lines.
• Don’t trim trees with power lines nearby.
• Always carry ladders or poles horizontally, never upright.
• Never place a trampoline, pool or playhouse near power lines.
• Teach your children to fly kites or toys in fields far away from overhead lines.
• Don’t try to rescue a cat on top of a power pole.
• Don’t attempt to remove anything that has become tangled with an overhead line.

Weather events also can create hazardous electric conditions by breaking power poles and causing power lines to fall. A downed line may remain energized; always wait for Xcel Energy’s help to verify whether the line is de-energized and safe.

• Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line.
• Lines that have fallen also energize the items they touch, so be careful of downed lines across fences or other equipment, including cars in which you may be riding. If you are in a car, remain in the vehicle until help arrives.