Lake Tahoe, CA February 16, 2017. In the wake of recent storms and with more severe weather inbound, Liberty Utilities is issuing a strong warning to all customers:
STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES. TOUCHING LIVE WIRES MAY RESULT IN DEATH.
“Unfortunately, there’s been a couple close calls with customers trying to help our crews by picking up downed power lines,” states Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities’ VP of Operations. “One of our customers actually coiled up a live wire and zip tied it in an effort to be helpful; we’re not sure why he’s still alive.”
A photo of the coiled live wire in the Carnelian Bay area is below.
Customers are also warned that if their vehicle comes in contact with a live wire, sometimes hidden in the snow, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXIT YOUR VEHICLE. Please follow the following rules to be safe:
Stay inside! The safest place is your car. If you get out and touch the ground and your vehicle at the same time, you will most likely be electrocuted.
Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the vehicle may be injured. Energized soil can also electrocute someone standing near downed lines.
Use your cell phone to call 911.
Fire Department, police and Liberty Utilities workers will tell you when it is safe to get out of your car.
Do not assume that a downed wire is not energized, i.e., “hot”. You cannot tell by just looking at it. ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOWNED WIRE ALONE AND CALL LIBERTY UTILITIES OR 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU BELIEVE THE SITUATION POSES IMMINENT DANGER. Warn others not to go near downed wires.
“We understand our customers’ good intentions to try to help out, but we sincerely want them to understand the very dangerous nature of downed power lines,” Johnson added. “In addition to being prepared for possible extended outages as this latest storm arrives, we remind customers to be safe around electricity.”
About Liberty Utilities Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 13 states, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to approximately 800,00
