“You can never train enough for an occupation that you can die in.”
-Scott Meinecke, 2nd Asst. Chief, Sheldon Fire Co. Director of Safety and Loss Control, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives
Electrical hazards can threaten the lives of first responders. Follow safe practices every time when it comes to electrical hazards:
• Evaluate the scene and identify all potential and existing hazards.
• If electricity is involved, call the electric utility immediately.
• If there are downed lines, consider them energized, secure the scene and wait until the utility crew has deenergized the scene before proceeding/approaching.
• Coordinate and communicate with the utility crew on the scene. Don’t take chances. It is difficult to wait, but approaching an energized area puts you and fellow first responders at risk of electrocution. Always wait for the utility to confirm the lines are de-energized.
When it comes to electricity, knowing what is safe and unsafe could mean the difference between life and death — not just for the victims and onlookers — but also for first responders. The video above is available at any time on YouTube. You can also request a DVD to keep onsite if that is easier for you. Call 1.800.577.3323 to request a DVD.
“The problem with electricity is that it is silent; it’s a silent killer. You do not know it is there unless you have it confirmed it is not. Unless you’ve been told (by the utility), consider everything energized.”
-Scott Meinecke, 2nd Asst. Chief, Sheldon Fire Co. Director of Safety and Loss Control, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives