Powerline Safety

Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. Steuben Rural 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 projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment the Cooperative uses to get electricity to your home.

Always remember to:

• Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
• Don’t climb trees near power lines.
• Never fly kits, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.
• If you get something stuck in a power line, call the Cooperative as soon as possible.
• 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 and be sure to notify the Cooperative immediately.
• Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
• Keep children and pets away.

Power Line Hazards and Cars

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 the Cooperative and emergency services.

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, but 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 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 the Cooperative.