With winter officially here, please remember to use extreme caution around downed wires, trees and tree limbs. Heavy snow, wet weather and wind are the main causes that uproot trees and are the culprits in downed lines that pose major threats to those walking or driving nearby. Downed wires can be “hot” and even though the fuses on lines will blow when they are grounded, they can remain energized. Always assume that any wire on the ground is energized, regardless if it is a power, telephone, cable or fiber optic line. Communication lines can be energized from other locations as a result of the same accident. In a recent accident involving fallen trees and power lines, the current continued running for twenty minutes at 7200 volts and burned-up the phone system for two blocks. Never approach any line–stay back as far as possible and keep others at a safe distance.
Electricity always takes the route of least resistance and the human body makes a good conductor! When you get close to downed wires, electricity will track through the body, not the ground. The same holds true when power poles and lines are downed in traffic accidents, structure fires and crane contacts. The best thing to do is to stay clear, call 911 and let the professionals with the tools and training deal with the hazard!
Marc Zurcher, Jacksonville
Line Foreman & Electrical Safety Instructor