Power Line Safety

Power Line Safety

Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. Roughrider Electric Cooperative wants to help our members stay safe around power lines.

Keep a safe distance

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.

Always remember to:

  1. Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
  2. Don't climb trees near power lines.
  3. Don't attach signs, basketball hoops, decorations, fences, etc to power poles.
  4. Never fly drone, kites, remote controlled aviation toys or ballons near power lines.
  5. If you get something stuck in a power line, call Roughrider Electric to remove it. Never try to knock it down or remove it yourself.
  6. Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
  7. Never touch or go near a downed power line even if you think it is not energized.
  8. Don't touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, pole, or other damaged equipment.
  9. Keep children and pets away.
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Overhead power lines carry extremely high voltages, and any accidental contact with them can cause severe injury or even death. Most incidents are preventable simply by staying alert to the location of overhead lines and nearby electrical equipment. Always be aware of the full height of your machinery or vehicles including antennas, extensions, or stacks before traveling beneath power lines. When possible, avoid passing under them altogether, and make sure all equipment is lowered prior to transport.

If you encounter damaged or fallen electrical equipment, or if you or anything you’re operating makes contact with a power line, contact Roughrider Electric immediately at 800‑748-5533

What to do if a power line falls on your car.

If a power line falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle. This is the safest place to stay. Warn people not to touch the car or the line. Call or ask someone to call Roughrider Electric Cooperative at 800-748-5533 and emergency services at 911. 

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire. Open the door. Do not step out of the car. You may receive a shock. Instead, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you clear the car, shuffle at least 40 feet away, with both feet on the ground.

As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911 or call your electric utility company's Service Center/Dispatch Office.

Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.