Summer Safety: Stop, Look up and Live When Planting and Trimming Trees
Did you know that a common cause of electrical injuries is accidental contact with overhead power lines? Each year, people are injured or killed by accidental contact with electrical equipment, contact that can be avoided if we all stop to think about our safety. Fortunately, most electrical accidents can be prevented by following some simple guidelines – especially when working outdoors.
If you plan on planting or trimming trees this summer, it’s important to assess the job first and be honest about your skills and experience. If you feel unsure, contact a professional tree service to help ensure the work is completed safely.
Trim Trees Safely: Stop, Look Up and Live
Trimming trees can sometimes put you at a close distance to overhead power lines, making it important that you use extra caution before you get to work. When trimming trees, take the following steps to stay safe:
Be aware of your surroundings before you start working. Take a moment to stop and look up so you know where overhead power lines are located.
Be certain that you and your equipment, such as ladders, long-handled trimming tools and aerial lifts, will not come within 10 feet of overhead power lines. The same goes for the branches and limbs you may cut.
Wear appropriate clothing. Gloves, sturdy shoes and eye protection are essential.
Keep children and pets away from the area to protect them from falling debris.
If you believe a tree is growing too close to one of our power lines, let us know and we can assess the situation and determine if it needs attention before the next scheduled trimming.
Select the Right Tree for the Location
Whether you’re looking for more shade or to enhance your home’s curb appeal, planting trees has many benefits. Selecting the right tree to plant in a residential area is also important – not only for safety, but for reliable electric service, too.
In general, you should avoid planting trees directly underneath power lines so that they do not grow into the lines. By selecting the right kind of tree for the location, you can help prevent service interruptions and minimize the need for pruning in the future. View a guide on planting and maintaining trees near power lines.
Finally, be sure to have utility lines marked on your property before you start planting to avoid contacting buried lines. Call your local 811 agency at least two to three days before your project begins so that utility operators can locate and mark their buried lines with paint or flags. By using this free service, you can help prevent potential injury, property damage and utility disruption.
Visit firstenergycorp.com/safety for more tips and resources to stay safe around electricity.