Quick Start Guide Electric Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

At 11 a.m., after the storm had passed, the boy and his father went outside to assess any storm damage. The boy walked into the downed primary line and fell to the ground. His father went to his son to help and received an electrical shock when he touched the boy’s clothing, suffering minor injuries. A neighbor, who was on the scene, rushed to help the fallen boy, contacted the downed line, and was electrocuted. Months later, the boy succumbed to his grave injuries from the electric contact. These incidents highlight the importance of utility Public Safety Communications Programs. Had these people been aware of the hazards associated with storms and downed overhead electric lines, these tragic incidents may have been prevented.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program