Locate overhead power lines

Contact with an overhead power line can cause property damage, serious injury or even loss of life.

Before doing any work near overhead power lines, the most important thing you can do is know the location of all power lines on or near your farm. Point them out to anyone who helps with farm activities such as employees, temporary workers and family members, including children.

Remember:

Electricity seeks every available path to the ground. When a person or other objects get too close or touch a power line, it creates an instant flow of electricity.
Non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay can conduct electricity.
Look out for overhead power lines whenever you operate machinery, equipment or move buildings and other materials. Use someone to help observe for you.
Plan your route in advance to avoid passing under power lines.
If you approach a downed power line, keep a safe distance away. The area around, including the soil, equipment and other objects, could be energized. Call our power trouble hotline immediately at 310-2220 to report a downed power line.
Do not clear storm-damaged trees, limbs or other debris that are touching power lines, or cut down trees or prune limbs that may fall into power lines. Call us at 1-888-SKPOWER (1-888-757-6937) to investigate the situation.