CRAIGHEAD COUNTY
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

EXPOSED POWER LINES CAN POSE THREAT
TO LIFE FROM ELECTRICAL SHOCK


Officials of the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management would like to remind everyone to be careful when there is any chance of meeting power lines and unprotected connections.  Here are some general points to remember and share with your family and friends:

Children should fly kites in open fields away from power lines.

Before climbing into a tree for any reason, check first for power lines that may be hidden by the branches.

TV antennas must never be installed near power lines.  When installing or repairing antennas, be very careful to observe where any wires may be located anywhere close by.

Should you happen to be in a car that is in contact with downed electrical wires, remain in the vehicle and wait for help.   Don't try to get out until rescue or utility personnel advise you it is safe to do so.

If you are forced to abandon the car, first scan the ground for wires, then jump clear of the vehicle. Never touch the car and the ground at the same time. Avoid contacting any water standing around the car on the ground, since wires may also be
touching the water.

Immediately report any downed power lines to the electric utility company that serves the area.


TEACH CHILDREN THE DANGERS OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO "STAY AWAY" FROM ELECTRICAL SUBSTATIONS AND OTHER AREAS THAT ARE MARKED WITH "DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE" SIGNS.

The Craighead County Office of Emergency Management ask that parents take the time needed to teach children about the power -- and dangers -- of electrical substations and electrical wiring.  For that matter, everyone should be careful when there is any chance of contacting power lines and unprotected connections.

Children of all ages can work and play outdoors with greater safety if they are taught some simple rules about potential electrical hazards.  In the interest of their protection, here are some general points that officials want you to be sure that your youngsters know:

If you see a warning sign that says "DANGER -- HIGH VOLTAGE" posted on a fence around an electrical power substation, explain to children to STAY AWAY!  The high voltage hazard inside the substation fence is real.

Tree limbs can conduct electricity if they contact energized lines or equipment. Teach children never to climb trees without first checking to see if there are  electrical wires nearby.

Television, radio antennas, and satellite dishes can be very dangerous if they are installed or maintained where there is any possibility of electrical contact.  To move or remove previously installed equipment in the vicinity of electrical lines or equipment, call one's electric provider.

Children should only fly kites or model airplanes in open fields clear of power lines.  If a kite or control strings get tangled in electrical lines, children must be taught the tangle should never be removed by anyone except an authorized lineman from the electric company.

Report any problems with power lines to the nearest electrical power utility company.

TEACH CHILDREN WHERE TO FLY A KITE SAFELY

Benjamin Franklin loved to experiment, but the famous statesman could have been electrocuted with his kite.  Children today enjoy playing with kites but there are safety rules they should learn.

Officials of the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management want you to teach children that kites and model airplanes should be flown a good distance from any power line.  If their string gets tangled with an electric line, call your electric utility to remove it.  Only utility representatives are authorized, trained, and equipped to remove these tangled toys from the electric lines or equipment.

WATCH FOR HIGH VOLTAGE WIRES NEAR YOUR TV ANTENNA

Many Arkansans are killed or seriously injured every year by careless contact with an exposed power line by trying to install or repair an antenna.   Such careless mistakes can happen in a fleeting second, but can cost the handyman his life.

Officials of the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management caution that TV antennas never should be installed where they could come in contact with high voltage lines.  Check the proximity of your antenna to the power lines.  Ask for advise or assistance from your electric company if changes are needed.

ELECTRICITY MAY BE BURIED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Call the Arkansas One Call before doing any digging in Arkansas at 1-800-482-8998.  Mark one's intended digging area with white spray paint or white flags. Buried electric lines are typically marked with red paint, red tape, or red flags.