Safety first: Sparks fly at live line demonstration Safety first: Sparks fly at live line demonstration
Expert Advice

Safety first: Sparks fly at live line demonstration

Stay away from downed power lines. Video shows what happens when someone touches one

Michael Weinstein
Michael Weinstein ● illumination Staff Writer
July 13, 2016
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Duke Energy linemen and trainers recently taught first responders in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the Franklin, N.C., area about power line safety. The trainers demonstrated how outages occur and how power is restored. The video shows what happens when something – such as a person, tree or ladder – touches a live power line. Thousands of emergency personnel in Duke Energy's service territories have attended demonstrations. 
 
 

Safety tips:

  • Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near a power line. 

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    Know what precautions to take if your vehicle encounters a downed power line.

  • Keep children and pets away from areas where lines may have fallen, such as back yards and fields.
  • If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you must get out because of a fire, jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Don't touch the car when your feet are on the ground.
  • Report all power line hazards to your energy company or your emergency services agency.
Tags: safety, lineworker

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