This topic was featured in the May 2024 Kansas Country Living Centerspread.

Always look up and look out for overhead power lines. If you or an object you are touching contacts or gets too close to a power line, you could be seriously injured or killed.

Regardless of the task, always keep a 10-foot minimum clearance between you or an object you are holding and an overhead line, including the drop-down service line. 

Power lines are buried and run underground as well. Always call 8-1-1 or visit call811.com before digging to get underground utilities marked.

BE MINDFUL of power lines when completing these tasks: 

•Home maintenance: Examples include cleaning gutters, being on the roof or using extended tools to wash windows or skim a pool.

•Yard work: Examples include trimming trees, carrying ladders and digging.

•Transporting tall objects: Ladders are not the only extended objects people use outdoors. Be careful any time you move a tall object or tool.

•Contracted and DIY projects: If you are planning any project that requires digging, ensure underground utilities are marked.

Look up and look out for overhead power lines and think about what is below them. Contact can happen in an instant.

If there is a damaged/downed power line or padmount transformer (green box), do not go within 50 feet of it.

Learn more at SafeElectricity.org