Outdoor Safety
Learn how to be safe around electricity when working or playing outdoors.
Safety basics
Electricity can jump! It's always seeking a path to the ground through water, trees, metal, wood, concrete, as well as people and animals. These things don’t have to touch a wire to electrocute you, so always keep yourself and your equipment at least 20 feet away from power lines. It’s not only safe, it’s also the law.
Downed powerline safety
Never touch a downed power line – or anything else the line is touching. Always assume power lines are live and stay at least 50 feet away (that’s a little longer than a city bus).
Remember, a downed line doesn’t have to spark to be dangerous.
More downed powerline safety tips
If you find yourself near a downed power line, shuffle away, keeping both feet in contact with the ground at all times.
If a person or animal is in contact with electricity, stay back.
If a line falls on your car, stay in your vehicle until the line is de-energized.
Call PGE immediately at  503-464-7777  or  800-544-1795 to report any downed utility line
Yard safety & maintenance
Tree maintenance
Trees and power lines aren’t a good combination. PGE vegetation crews regularly prune trees to maintain necessary clearances. Get tips on how you can safely maintain your trees and shrubbery around power lines.
Call 811 before you dig
If you’re doing yard work, make sure you call 811 to keep safe and remember planting trees near transformers is very dangerous. Always leave at least 20 feet between transformers and your landscaping.
Choose your cords wisely
Only use heavy-duty, grounded, three-pronged extension cords rated for outdoor use. Check them regularly for any breaks or damage and throw them out if you find any defects. Never alter or make temporary repairs to a cord.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are a good investment for all outdoor outlets to help protect you from serious injury.
Cut, punctured or scuffed electric cords are dangerous! Replace them immediately.
Never overload a circuit or daisy-chain power strips. This invites danger.
Additional safety tips
Water and electricity
They don't mix! Always keep your electrical equipment away from hot tubs and pools, fountains and standing water.
Outdoor lighting
See options for installing streetlights and outdoor lighting. If you see a streetlight out, report it to us online or call 503-464-7777.