Safety Around Power Lines
Tree trimming around power lines should only be handled by a qualified tree contractor. Report tree limbs that may interfere with electric service. In addition to making tree safety around power lines a top priority, we encourage you to follow these guidelines:
- Overhead/underground line clearance. Overhead power lines on or near your property can interact with trees, causing power surges and other potential risks. Underground cables can also come into contact with the root systems of trees. Don’t plant shrubs or flowers around electric transformers, which are located on the ground in a metal box on a concrete or plastic base.
- Digging can be dangerous. Safety is the most important thing to remember when working with trees large and small. Be sure to call Sunshine State One Call of Florida (SSOCOF) at 1-800-432-4770 before you dig on your property to plant or move a tree. SSOCOF will find out where buried facilities (electric, gas, telephone, cable, water) are located and mark them with color-coded paint, flags or stakes. Use extreme caution when digging within 24 inches on either side of the marks to avoid hitting the buried utility lines.
- Watch your antenna. Install TV, satellite or radio antennas away from power lines—at least the height of the antenna plus an extra ten feet.
- Play it safe. Educate your children about electrical safety and make them aware of overhead power lines. If your kids plan to fly a kite, make sure they’re in an open field away from electrical lines. Wet and dirty kite strings can conduct electricity.
