Stay Safe Around Power Lines!
One of our top priorities is helping you stay safe around power lines. Downed power lines and other electrical hazards can happen at any time. Follow the tips below, download our Power Line Safety flyer and visit the Electrical Safety Foundation’s Power Line Safety site to avoid the dangers of downed power lines and other electrical hazards.
Avoid Power Lines
STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM POWER LINES AS POSSIBLE! Always assume downed power lines are energized. They do not have to pop and snap to be energized.
NEVER TOUCH power lines, or anyone or anything that touches power lines – such as a tree branch, fence, vehicle or even water. If you see a downed power line, call 911, then Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010 to report it.
Drive Carefully
Never drive over downed power lines. If a power line contacts any part of your vehicle, stay inside and tell others to stay away until the line is safely removed and the power is turned off.
If you must leave the car due to a life-threatening situation, DO NOT touch the car while getting out. Jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Shuffle or hop away to a safe area when your feet hit the ground. No part of your body should touch the car when your feet hit the ground.
Play Safe
Be aware of overhead and underground power lines. It's imperative that you teach your loved ones about electrical safety. If anyone plans to fly a kite, drone or other object, ensure they're in an open field away from electrical lines. Wet and dirty kite strings can conduct electricity. If the object gets caught in the power lines, DO NOT try to retrieve it. Call 911, then Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010.
Mark Buried Power Lines
Avoid injury from underground power lines. Whether you’re planning a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional, call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com at least two (2) full business days before digging. For your protection, underground power lines will be marked for free.
Energized Solar
Treat solar panels like power lines. Avoid downed or damaged solar panels, wiring and components. Assume they are energized like a power line. Stay as far away as possible and call 911 for assistance.
No Drones
DO NOT fly drones or other objects near power lines. If an object gets entangled with the power lines, DO NOT try to retrieve it. Call 911 then call Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010.
Plan For Trees
NEVER TRIM TREES OR VEGETATION NEAR OR AROUND POWER LINES. Only qualified tree contractors should trim vegetation around power lines. Use our online tree trimming form to report tree limbs that may interfere with electric service.
Be aware of overhead and underground power line clearance requirements. Overhead power lines on or near your property can interact with trees, causing power surges and other potential risks.
Underground cables can also encounter the tree's root system. 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.
Refer to our tree planting & safety guide to learn how the right trees – planted and maintained safely – can help make our community beautiful.
Watch Your Antenna
Avoid power lines when installing TV, satellite and radio antennas. Stay at least the height of the antenna plus an extra ten feet away.
