Look Up, Look Down, Look Around: Staying safe around electricity this spring and summer

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us head outside to take on projects around the house - planting, digging, trimming trees, or tackling long-overdue repairs.

Before you get started, take a moment to look up, look down, and look around. Electricity is a part of everyday life, but it's easy to forget the risks. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you, your family, and your property safe.

Look Up: Be aware of overhead power lines

Overhead power lines are easy to overlook, especially when you're focused on the task at hand. Whether you're using a ladder, working on your roof, trimming branches, or spending time outside with family, always take note of where power lines are located.

Even everyday activities can create unexpected risks. We recently had an outage in Gardiner caused by a balloon coming into contact with power lines, which is not uncommon in our service areas. Balloons and kites can drift farther than expected and easily reach overhead lines, or even substations, leading to outages and dangerous situations.

Please avoid flying kites or releasing balloons anywhere near power lines or substations. Always assume lines are energized and keep a safe distance.

Look Down: Call before you dig

Before starting any project that involves digging - even something as simple as planting a tree or installing a fence - be sure to call 811. This free service locates underground utilities and helps prevent serious injuries, outages, and costly repairs.

It's just as important to think ahead when trimming trees.

If you're planning to trim around your service line (the line that runs from the pole to your home), give us a call first. We can temporarily disconnect or move the line so you can work safely, then reconnect it when you're finished.

If branches are near or touching overhead power lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. These lines carry high voltage and should only be handled by trained crews. Contact us, or submit a request through our online form, and we'll take it from there.

Look Around: Give equipment space to operate safely

Padmount transformers - the green metal boxes you see in neighborhoods - play an important role in delivering power to homes and businesses.

Although padmount transformers are designed to be safe, with a case covering the transformer and conduit around the wires, they are electrical equipment that can carry more than 7,200 volts. Please don't use them as picnic tables or play structures, and avoid planting fences, plants, or decorative items too close to them.

To ensure safe operation and allow crews quick access when needed, keep at least 10 feet of clearance in front of the transformer, and 3 feet at the rear and sides.

Downed Power Lines: Stay far away

Always assume downed power lines are energized. Electricity can travel through the ground and nearby objects, creating a dangerous situation even if the line isn't sparking.

Stay far away from the line - and anything in contact with it, including vehicles, fences, or other objects - and call 911 and Central Lincoln right away to report the situation. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside and wait for help unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire.

If you must exit the vehicle, do not touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Jump clear of the vehicle and land with both feet together. Then hop or shuffle (keeping both feet on the ground at the same time) until you're at least 50 feet away.

Talk with kids about electrical safety

Spring and summer mean more time spent playing outside, and it's important to help kids understand what to avoid. Climbing trees near power lines, flying kites, or playing on padmount transformers can quickly turn dangerous.

Take a moment to talk with children about staying well away from power lines and electrical equipment. What may look like a place to climb or play is actually part of an active electrical system.

A little awareness makes a big difference

Taking a few extra moments to look up, look down, and look around before starting a project - or heading outside to play - can prevent serious accidents.

If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.

From our May 2026 Coastlines Newsletter

Read more content from Coastlines