Electricity is a powerful and essential part of daily life, but it can also pose serious risks if not handled safely. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Take precautions around power lines and outdoor electrical equipment:
- Never personally trim or remove trees near power lines—hire a trained, qualified crew.
- Avoid planting trees near overhead power lines to prevent future risks. Never use electrical tools if your hands or feet are wet or if you are standing on damp ground.
- Always check for clearance from overhead lines before installing or removing antennas, using ladders, or cleaning pools with skimming rods, as there is a risk of fatal injury. Disregarding electrical power line safety also violates Kansas law. Violators can be punished by law with fines up to $1,000 per day per violation.
- For temporary overhead power line clearance, contact BPU at 913-573-9531.
- Teach children to avoid climbing trees or flying kites near power lines.
Emergency Situations Involving Power Lines
Know how to respond safely in case of an accident or fallen line:
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for help. If you must exit, jump away from the vehicle as far as you can without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Treat any broken or fallen power line as live—call 913-573-9522 immediately.
- Never try to retrieve objects like kites, metallic balloons, or model airplanes from power lines—call 913-573-9522.
Underground Utility Safety
Protect underground utility lines before starting digging projects:
Call 1-800-DIG-SAFE (1-800-344-7233) to locate underground lines before planting trees, installing sprinklers, or beginning any excavation.