FirstEnergy is reminding residents that accidental contact with overhead power lines remains a common cause of electrical injuries and fatalities each year — incidents that can often be prevented by following simple safety guidelines, especially when working outdoors.
The utility company advises those planning to plant or trim trees this summer to carefully assess their skills and experience before starting any work near power lines. “If you feel unsure, contact a professional tree service to ensure the job is done safely,” FirstEnergy said.
When trimming trees, workers should stop and look up to identify the location of overhead power lines and keep themselves, their equipment, and trimmed branches at least 10 feet away from the lines. Wearing gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye protection is also recommended, along with keeping children and pets away from the work area to avoid injury from falling debris.
FirstEnergy also advises homeowners to avoid planting trees directly under power lines to prevent future interference and outages. They encourage residents to call 811 at least two to three days before digging or planting to have buried utility lines marked, reducing the risk of accidental contact with underground cables.
For more safety tips, visit firstenergycorp.com/safety.
