Grand River Dam Authority
03/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/04/2026 14:31
Stay safe, stay clear of downed power lines
News
Stay safe, stay clear of downed power lines
Mar 04, 2026
Serene sunset … The rural Oklahoma landscape and a GRDA electric transmission line are bathed in the glow of late winter Oklahoma sunset. While the scene is serene, March is a month when Oklahoma weather can be both a lamb and a lion. This week, GRDA offers some safety tips to keep in mind if March weather acts more like a lion at times.
Weather-wise, early March can mean many different things in Oklahoma. Maybe it still feels like winter or maybe it feels more like spring. More often than not though, the wind is likely blowing, no matter what the temperature.
And during a month that can come in like a lamb and go out like a lion (or vice versa) it is important to remember the impact that wind and weather can sometimes have on power lines. Although utility personnel work very hard to maintain the power systems, sometimes the weather has different plans. So, during this time of the year when both winds and maybe even ice are still possible, GRDA wants to share a few seasonal safety tips, related to downed power lines, from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org):
- First of all, if you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines - up to 35 feet away - may be energized.
- Always assume that ALL downed power lines are live.
- The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
- If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 for help.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind; for more electric safety tips, visit esfi.org. All of Team GRDA encourages you to stay safe!
GRDA is Oklahoma's largest public power electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an "Oklahoma agency of excellence" by focusing on the 5 E's: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.
Grand River Dam Authority published this content on March 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 04, 2026 at 20:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]