Electricity is such an important part of day-to-day living it is sometimes easy for individuals to become casual in their regard for this powerful force. Understanding how electricity travels is a good reminder of the caution one should use in order to maintain personal safety.

Certain materials, called conductors, allow electricity to flow easily through them while other materials, called insulators, inhibit the flow of electricity. Metal, water, wet objects, trees, the human body and dirt are all conductors of electricity. Electricity does not flow easily through insulators like rubber, glass, plastic and porcelain.

Electricity always seeks a path to the ground. If a person accidentally becomes part of electricity’s pathway to the ground, the result can be serious injury or even death. Such contact can take place if a metal object, such as a TV antenna, comes in contact with a power line. A little less obvious is the danger posed if something wet, like a wet kite string or a wet tree branch, comes in contact with a power line.

Dirt, although not generally recognized as a good conductor of electricity, can pose a danger as well. For example, when a power line is knocked down and lying on the ground, it is important to keep all people and pets away from the area as the line could still be electrified and energizing the ground on which it rests. Another example occurs when dirt is blown into power line insulators during a storm. Enough electricity can be conducted to start a fire on the pole.

In areas of grass fires, forest fires, or even controlled burns, if the wind shifts and blows the fire and smoke close to power lines the air can become so contaminated it creates a path to ground for the electricity. In such cases, keep people away from the area and call the power company for assistance. Line workers can de-energize the line until the danger passes.

It is also important for firefighters to be aware of power lines when putting out fires. The solid stream of water from a fire hose could act as a conductor when in contact with power lines, putting firefighters at risk of serious injury.

Additional safety precautions include:

· Look up. Always be aware of your proximity to overhead power lines and be careful not to lift or move tall objects around power lines.

· Call before you dig. Digging into underground power lines can be just as dangerous as contacting overhead lines. Call the utility locating service in your area before you dig to plant trees, place fence posts or install underground sprinklers. If you don’t have the number, call Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power at 1-800-775-7950.

· Stay away to stay safe. The electrical transmission lines running through neighborhoods are not insulated. Some service drops are insulated, but this insulation can break down over time. For your safety, treat all lines you see as energized and dangerous – stay away from them.

· Trees near power lines should be pruned by qualified and authorized vegetation management crews. Do not attempt to trim them yourself. Call Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power at 1-800-775-7950.

· Do not touch or go near a person in contact with a downed power line. Call 911.

For more electrical safety information, visit   www.pacificpower.net or  www.rockymtnpower.net , or call 1-800-375-7085.


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