Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines.

Always remember to:

• 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 Barron Electric at 1-800-322-1008 to remove it safely
   
• 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

If a power line falls on a car:

• 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 Barron Electric
• Call emergency services

The ONLY circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car is if:

If fallen power line causes car to catch fire:

• Open the door
• Do not step out of the car
• You may receive a shock
• Jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground
• Once you clear the car, shuffle at least 50 feet away, with both feet on the ground.
• Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.
• As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911 or call Barron Electric at 1-866-258-8722.

Preventing Electrocutions Associated with Portable Generators Plugged Into Household Circuits

When power lines are down, residents can restore energy to their homes or other structures by using another power source such as a portable generator. If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.

If it is necessary to use a portable generator, manufacturer recommendations and specifications must be strictly followed. If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation of the portable generator, a qualified electrician should be immediately contacted to assist in installation and start-up activities. The generator should always be positioned outside the structure.

When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator. This will prevent power lines from being inadvertently energized by backfed electrical energy from the generators, and help protect utility line workers or other repair workers or people in neighboring buildings from possible electrocution. If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning the main breaker to the “off” position or removing the main fuse, the electrical current could reverse, go back through the circuit to the outside power grid, and energize power lines or electrical systems in other buildings at or near their original voltage without the knowledge of utility or other workers.

Effects of Backfeed

The problem of backfeed in electrical energy is a potential risk for electrical energy workers. Electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of all reported occupational deaths. Following the safety guidelines can reduce this risk.

Other Generator Hazards

Generator use is also a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Generators should only be used in well ventilated areas.

• Have a licensed, qualified heating technician service your furnace or heating system. 
• Change heating system filters to keep air passing through. 
• Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.  
• Don’t use electrical appliances around wet areas like bathtubs or sinks.
• Dry your hands before using electrical appliances.
• Keep electric heaters on level surfaces and 6-8 feet from furniture, curtains and drapes.