Did you know that most power outages in Downeast Maine are caused by trees falling on electrical lines?
Lots of trees falling on power lines during one storm can mean turning the power back on takes a long time. Being without power can be difficult – and sometimes even dangerous. People need electric power, and the people in your community can keep the power on by preventing trees from falling on power lines.
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Buzz the Beaver’s Safety Messages
You Can Prevent Trees from Overpowering The Lines.
- The most common cause of a power outage is trees falling on power lines. People can help keep the power on by preventing trees from falling on the power lines.
- A tree within 10 feet of a power line, especially one that is leaning toward a power line, is called a “risk tree” and should be trimmed by a professional arborist.
- Never trim a tree close to a power line yourself. You could get electrocuted or damage the power lines! Call a professional arborist; they are trained to safely work on trees near power lines!
- If you plant new trees, make sure they are 10 feet or more from power lines. Trees like maple, spruce, and birch grow very tall and should be planted farther away.
Learn More!
Be a Neighborhood Hero.
- Look around at the trees on your road and in your neighborhood. If your trees fall on the power lines, your neighbor’s power might go out, too. If your neighbor’s trees fall, it might damage the lines to your house and make your power go out.
- If the power goes out, check on your neighbors, they might need help.
- Some of our neighbors don’t have wood stoves or generators, and it’s dangerous when the power goes out in winter.
- Some of our neighbors need electricity for medical devices.
- Learn More: Versant Power LifeLight Program for People with Essential Medical Equipment
Stay Safe, Give it Some Space.
- If you see a tree touching a power line, or a broken power line, call 9-1-1 and your power company. Don’t try to fix it yourself!
- Stay at least 30 feet away from a downed line. Electricity can jump through the air!
- Don’t drive over power lines on the ground – they can carry electricity and electrocute you!
- Don’t touch trees that are touching the power lines – they can carry electricity and electrocute you!
- If a power line falls on your house or your car, stay inside and call 9-1-1. Don’t touch any metal or water. Wait until emergency personnel tell you that power is off before leaving your house or car.
- Learn More:
Preparation is Power.
- If a storm is coming, be prepared for a power outage.
- Fill containers with water for drinking, fill a bucket with water to flush your toilet.
- Make sure your flashlight, headlamp, and cell-phone batteries are fully powered up.
- Have solar-powered lights, power packs, and a battery-powered radio handy.
- Have books and board games to keep you busy.
- Ask your neighbors if they have what they need – if they need help, offer to help or find help.
- A big storm can knock lots of trees down at once, and it could take a long time for your power to come back on. If you are not in danger, be patient – the people who work for your power company are out in the storm, working hard to help people who are in danger.
- Learn More