Trees and Power Lines

Trees near power lines are dangerous!

 When a tree grows close to a power line, it can create shock hazards, power outages, and fires:

• If a tree branch falls on a power line, it can cause a power outage. Electricity will go off in any homes or businesses served by the power line until the electric utility (EB) can remove the branch and fix the line.

• If a tree branch touches a high-voltage power line, electricity from the line can make the branch so hot it catches fire. From there, the fire can spread to nearby trees, plants, or buildings.

• Snapped or Downed power lines can hurt or kill you, even if they do not spark or hum.

• If you see a snapped power line, stay very far away. Do not even get close to anything that is touching the line, like a tree, fence, vehicle, etc.

• Circuits do not always turn off when a power line falls into a tree or onto the ground. Even if they are not sparking or humming, fallen lines can kill you if you touch them or the ground nearby. Stay away and call the nearest EB office.