Tree & Power Line Safety Answers
- If a tree branch touches a high-voltage power line, the branch could catch fire, a power outage could occur, or someone could climb the tree and be shocked by the power line.
- True. Even if they are not sparking or humming, fallen lines can kill you if you touch them or the ground nearby.
- It is important to call the utility locator service before planting a tree or doing other types of digging to make sure that when you dig a hole you will not contact underground power lines and other utilities. Even if your project is small, it is ALWAYS best to call.
- It is false that anyone can trim trees near high-voltage power lines if they get the local electric utility’s permission first. Only specially trained, qualified tree-trimmers are allowed to work on trees near high-voltage power lines.
- If your kite gets caught in a tree near a power line, it is dangerous to try to get it down because you might contact the power line while trying to get the kite, and then electricity could travel through you on its way to the ground and you could be shocked.
- If you are going to plant a tree, you must plant it (b) far enough away from high-voltage power lines so when the tree is fully grown it will be 10 feet away from the lines.