Your electric provider works very hard to ensure reliable electricity year-round. Sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas – especially during summer storm season. Southwest Florida’s severe summer storms are a main cause of power outages and downed power lines. Coming in direct contact, or even in close vicinity of a power line or anything touching it can be fatal. Following are tips to help you stay safe around power lines:
- If you see a downed power line, stay away from it!
- Call LCEC, FPL or dial 911 to report the location of the line, and remember that only trained utility employees who are protected by safety equipment should touch power lines.
- If someone comes in contact with a live power line, do not attempt to move the victim or the line yourself. Efforts to pull an electric shock victim away could make you a second victim. Call 911 immediately.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or shovel. Even non-conductive materials like wood, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and electrocute you.
- Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
For more safety tips, visit www.lcec.net.