• Danger overhead
• The tree connection
• Work around home
• Away from home — outdoors
• Other storm-related tips

Hazards associated with electricity outdoors primarily arise from accidental contact with overhead electric conductors.

Being safe means paying attention to where lines are and what you are doing that might provide a pathway for electricity to travel through you to ground.

Danger overhead
One of the most basic rules to remember is simply: Look up! If you are aware of overhead power lines, you can steer clear of danger. But each year, accidents occur. Here are typical situations.

The tree connection
Trees are abundant here. We cherish their role in the environment. But trees and power lines can be a bad match in certain situations.

The leading cause of accidental contact with power lines in Oregon is tree trimming or tree falling gone wrong. Common sense steps can prevent accidents.

• Look up! If you see a wire in the work area, don’t hesitate to call PGE for help: 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818. Don’t take chances.
• Kids should be warned to not build tree houses in trees with lines nearby.
• Remember: Tree limbs can conduct electricity. They contain water. Electricity can pass through a branch touching a line, shocking the victim sufficient to cause injury or a fall from the tree.
• Leave tree trimming to a professional. Cutting limbs can be hazardous work. This job is best left to experts with the right training and equipment.
• Renting equipment to trim trees? Remember, metal ladders and equipment are excellent conductors of electricity. Make sure you stay clear of wires.

• Going underground? Always use extreme care when digging. PGE and the other Oregon utilities will help you locate underground lines so you can avoid damaging them. Just call 811 to reach the Oregon Utility Notification Center. To be safe, always call 811 before you dig.
• Beware of anything metal around wires. Keep in mind, you don’t actually have to touch the wire to get into trouble. Electricity can “leap” to a conductor such as a ladder if brought close to a energized wire, so always keep yourself and metal objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
• Watch out for aluminum ladders, tree-trimming equipment (like chain saws), metal antenna installation near power lines, spans of aluminum field irrigation pipe.
• Grounded three-pronged extension cords are mandatory for outdoor work. Periodically examine extension cords for breaks or damaged insulation. Replace if defective. Ground Fault Interrupters, or GFIs, are a good investment for all outdoor circuits.
• Never attempt to open an underground transformer installation.
• If you are served through overhead wires, they enter your home through a “weatherhead,” a mast that holds the wire before it goes into your electric meter. In extreme storms, these masts are sometimes damaged or torn down. You own the weatherhead. PGE cannot repair weatherheads but we can help put you in contact with qualified electricians who can help you. See our list of PGE PowerBack contractors.

• Stormy weather brings the possibility of downed power lines. Rule One: All lines down should be treated as line repair personnel treat them, hot and dangerous. You cannot see electricity.

• If a wire falls on your car, stay inside your car! You are safe as long as you remain inside. If you attempt to get out and one foot touches the ground and the other is in the electrified car, you complete the circuit to ground. You can be electrocuted!
• Wires do not have to be directly touched to be dangerous. Electricity can flow through metal or water to cause serious injury. Here’s the best idea: Stay inside until the storm is over and service is restored.
• Kites and power lines do not mix. Warn children to never climb poles or into trees near wires to unsnarl a kite. Call PGE for help at 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818.
• Be wise when target shooting. Anyone who shoots at power line insulators is literally risking life and limb besides heavy fines and arrest.
• Order PGE’s brochure on electrical outages and home safety so you can keep this information handy.