Important Safety Information

Springtime is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. For many of us it is a time to get the yard back in order.  Adding color to the home, removing shrubs and limbs that have not made it through the winter are some of the items that we are all looking forward to. Here are some tips to help you get the job done safely.

Fire Safety: Trees in contact with high voltage power lines can act as an ignition Source of fire.

Public Safety: To prevent injury to people climbing adjacent to power lines.

Reducing Outages: Trees represent one of the largest causes of power outages in Western Washington.

• Look up and around before trimming those branches.
• Watch overhead power lines when working or playing with long objects (such as ladders, antennas, snow rakes, fishing rods, boat mast, or tree trimmers.
• Obey the 10-foot-rule--don’t allow equipment, tools, or objects closer than 10 feet to an overhead power line.
• Don’t let anyone climb in trees near overhead power lines.
• Do not plant trees near overhead power lines.
• Downed power line can kill. Don’t guess; call your local electric utility.
• Before digging, excavating, setting a mailbox, fence post or planting trees and shrubs, remember to call for a locate of underground utilities.

Below you will find some links to other great internet resources talking about electrical safety.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers more holiday decoration safety tips at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.html .

We've found that there are a lot of great resources on the internet that can cover the various elements of safety when dealing with different utilities, especially electricity. Below you will find a list of resources we've found helpful.

Electric Safety Foundation International

This website has a wealth of information on electrical safety. Some of the tips you'll find include home electrical safety tips, senior electrical safety tips, a electrical safety quiz, and more!

Long Island Power Authority

This utility company has put together a very comprehensive safety page. You'll find information about making your home electrically safer, pets and electricity, storm preparedness, and more!

WE Energies

Another great resource with lots of information. Some unique information on electricity and water together, how shock happens, power lines, appliance safety, and more!