AVOID DOWNED POWER LINES

Is it dead or alive? That power line you see lying on the ground can be either; you can't tell by looking. To report a downed power line call (601) 267-5671. Severe storms, automobile accidents, fire and other circumstances can cause power lines to fall to the ground.

When you see a fallen or damaged power line, remember this life saving lesson; never touch a power line. Central Electric Power Association urges you to assume every power line is "live" that is, still has electricity flowing through it and can kill or seriously burn you if you touch it. Even wires that are "dead" can suddenly become energized when crews are working on them. Stay away from power lines and warn others, especially children, to stay away, too.

Don't touch anything that is touching the power line, such as a fence, a car, or a piece of machinery. If a wire falls on your car while you are in it, stay put. Wait for help to arrive before opening the door. If you see a power line on the ground, call Central Electric Power Association, or alert the police, sheriff's office or fire department immediately.

Although accidents involving electricity are rare, they can happen when people get careless. Following a few simple safety rules and teaching them to your children, can help prevent tragedy. Utility lines are also buried in the ground; beware of the possibility of underground power lines before you dig.

BE ALERTED TO OVERHEAD POWER LINES

Serious outdoor accidents involving electricity occur on all types of work sites. But most of these accidents could be prevented, with these few simple safety steps from Central Electric Power Association:

• First, make sure you, your family and your employees know the location of overhead power lines, and map out ways to avoid them when moving equipment. Make sure everyone understands that any contact with these lines carries the potential for a serious, even fatal, accident. Taking a moment before beginning work could save a life.
• To prevent accidental contact with lines, everyone should know the height of all your farm equipment and the height of the lines. Mississippi law provides a 10 foot right of way along either side of a power line: tall equipment must be kept out of the right of way.
• Be extra careful when moving pipes. Many electrical accidents on farms occur when irrigation pipes are accidentally raised into power lines. The combination can be deadly.
• Avoid moving large equipment alone. Have someone watch as you drive equipment to ensure that you stay clear of power lines.
• These rules also apply to guy wires, which support power line poles. Steer mowers, tractors, and other equipment clear of these wires. Damaging guy wires can weaken the poles and even cause them to topple, bringing live power lines down onto the ground and creating an extremely hazardous situation.
• Caution should be taken in directing any T.V. or CB Radio antenna. Contact can kill.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY ON THE FARM

Crisp, fall weather means harvest time on the farm. Don't let this harvest turn dangerous when electrical hazards are overlooked. Farm workers are killed each year by electrocution when large farm machinery makes contact with overhead power lines. The following tips will help keep everyone on the farm safe:

• Look over work areas carefully for overhead power lines and utility poles.
• Make sure there are ample clearance of power lines when moving large machinery such as combines, grain augers, pickers, bailers, and front end loaders.
• When planning new construction, consider existing power lines.
• Be extra careful when working around trees and brush that often obstruct power lines.
• Train all farm workers on how to properly operate machinery near overhead power lines.