Safety outside of your home may be as simple as understanding where some likely dangers exist. Here are a few of the most dangerous and easily preventable scenarios:
Wires
- Always assume that utility lines are “live” – or energized – and keep far away from them
- Be especially attentive after wind, ice, or heavy snow storms when wires may have fallen to the ground
- If a power line hits your car, drive slowly away from the line if you can do so safely. If not, stay inside and wait for rescue workers. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear without touching metal and ground at the same time. Shuffle away keeping both feet on the ground. Downed Power Line Safety Sheet (PDF).
Digging
Contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 811 at least 3 days before you plan to dig.
- Colorado law requires underground utilities to be located before anyone digs
- Whether you are a contractor working on a site or a homeowner working around your own home, please note: digging can be dangerous if you don’t check first for underground wiring, cable, or other underground utilities such as natural gas lines, water, or sewer lines.
Pole Inspections
- MVEA’s contractor inspects poles in our territory.
- Generally, they will have a sign on their vehicle, wear company hats, and carry an I.D. Badge
