Vol74-7 July 2024
Member newsletter for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Summer safety tips
Overhead power lines carry high voltages and maintain only a coating of insulation to protect them from weathering. If your body or anything you are touching comes in contact with the power line, the results could be fatal. Electricity will course through your equipment and you, and that current can heat up and burn the tissue inside the body. If you become the easiest path to ground, the results could be deadly.
Keep equipment away from overhead lines when carrying
ladders, pool skimmers, and pruning tools.
If a tree is in contact with an overhead power line and you attempt to remove the tree, you can become the easiest path to the ground.
Contact SMECO to disconnect power if you are doing work that requires close contact with overhead lines attached to your home.
Use a licensed electrician for all electrical work in and around your home or business.
Plant trees at least 30 feet from overhead lines.
Don’t build a tree house, fort, or anything else in a tree that is next to power lines.
In addition to overhead lines, SMECO has many underground electric lines. Call Miss Utility at 811 or submit a request on their website before you dig to have underground utilities marked.
