Electric Power Lines and Ice Storm Safety

This picture shows down live wires supplying power to a house in Oxford, PA.

The recent ice storm caused several outages in the Delaware Valley. PECO reported to have 100,000 customers without power in Delaware, Chester, Bucks and Montgomery counties.

When ice accumulates on the wires and on the trees, the wires become damaged from the excess weight and from the trees and branches that fall on the wires.

If you encounter down wires around your house caused by fallen trees or branches, do not attempt to clean up. Please keep yourself safe and stay clear of the area. It is important to call your local utility company so they can safely deal with the line.

If you are using a generator during a power outage, please remember never run a generator in the house or garage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, make sure you use the proper transfer switch equipment so that the power from your generator doesn’t make its way onto the utility wires injuring the lineman working to restore power.

If you have any questions on how to safely install your generator, please give us a call. We will be glad to help.