No matter the season stay away from downed power lines

When an ice storm moves through Northeast Oklahoma, it often leaves a trail of frozen damage behind. There are downed power lines, broken poles, and limbs and debris scattered all around. When such things happen, our Grand River Dam Authority crews, like many other utilities and emergency management organizations, respond quickly and spend many hours making repairs in treacherous conditions.

Although no one wants to go through that kind of experience, it is always a good idea to be as prepared as possible, especially with the official arrival of winter in Oklahoma. Of course, an important part of preparation is understanding and avoiding the dangers of downed power lines, no matter what the cause.

What follows are a few safety tips you should keep in mind if you encounter damaged lines. We pass them along in hopes that you will stay safe not only this winter, but during all seasons.

• ALWAYS assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay at least 35 feet away from a downed power line and any nearby objects it may be touching, such as a fence or tree limb.
• Remember, a power line does not need to be sparking or arcing to be energized, even if its sagging close to or on the ground.
• Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• Contact your utility company immediately to report downed power lines outside your home.
• Never touch a person who is in contact with a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.

Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe this winter. Please keep these important reminders in mind.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency. 

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