Quick Start Guide Electric Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Incidents • Two brothers, ages 11 and 9, were seriously injured when they contacted an energized overhead electric distribution primary conductor while climbing a tree in the front yard of one of the homes on the street where they lived. The left arm of the older boy required amputation, and both boys have permanent disfiguring scars. The primary conductor contacted by the boys passed directly through and within inches of the tree’s branches. • Several properties, including structures and landscaping, were severely damaged when high winds caused a contact between palm trees and the utility’s primary power lines. Contact between the palm leaves caused electrical arcing that ignited the tree and subsequently the surrounding properties. Several property owners filed property damage suits against the utility. These incidents highlight the importance of proper tree selection and placement. The trees involved in these incidents should not have been planted in close proximity to overhead electric power lines.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program