Electrical Safety

Always Proceed with Caution

From downed power lines to lightning storms, we’re all aware we should be careful. But do we always know how to stay safe in these situations? Plus, there are dangers hidden in things as simple as flying a kite, releasing mylar balloons, or using a hair dryer. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the do’s and don’ts of dealing with the power of electricity in its many forms.

We can’t avoid downed power lines in winter. But you should.

In winter snow, ice, freezing rain and wind can mean problems with power lines. Power poles can snap without warning and tree limbs can fall taking power lines down with them. Just by looking, there is no way to know for sure whether a downed power line is “hot” or not. If you spot a downed power line, please stay away. Call the PUD immediately. Remember, only trained linemen can handle a downed power line safely.

Power lines covered in ice after a winter storm.
A child in a bathroom holds a hairdryer, sitting in a bathtub.

Remember, water and electricity don’t mix

Your hair dryer knows something you should know — water and electricity don’t mix. Hair dryers have a warning tag to remind you not to use them near water. Never stand on a wet floor while drying your hair. Don’t leave a hair dryer plugged in when you aren’t using it — it’s too easy for it to be accidentally knocked into the sink and come into contact with water. And never leave your hair dryer where a young child can reach it. In short, use your head when you use your dryer.

Have a safe flight

Make sure your youngsters know these simple rules for flying kites safely: Always use cloth string. Never fly kites near power lines. Don’t try to retrieve a kite caught in trees or power lines, or on power poles.

Now two tips for the young and the young-at-heart alike: don’t fly drones near power lines and don’t release mylar balloons outdoors. Both can cause serious disruptions to electrical service if they come in contact with lines or transformers.

A colorful kite with a long tail flies against a clear, blue sky. No landmarks or buildings are visible.
Three power adapters taped to a wall with blue tape, connected by black cables. Minimalist and utilitarian setup against a plain background.

Stick around for the fireworks

Here’s an accident waiting to happen. A standard wall outlet is designed for two plugs. If you have more, the outlet is overloaded. And overloading can be dangerous –resulting in electrical shorts, power outages, fires, and personal injury.

The best rule is to use one plug per outlet, and limit your chances of fireworks.

Keep power poles free of debris

A wooden power pole might seem like a great place to put up a sign, but it is illegal to do so in the state of Washington.

More importantly, it creates a danger to utility line workers. Staples, tacks or nails used to attach signs, such as community event notices or garage sale signs, to power poles can trip up a line worker, or pierce and tear the worker’s protective clothing or safety equipment, which could result in injury or electrocution.

Abuse of power poles also can cause premature damage and make it necessary to replace the pole. Show the line workers you care: Keep power poles clean and safe.

A wooden utility pole with metal tags stands against a clear sky. In the background, distant hills and wind turbines are visible.

Play it safe during lightning storms

  • Listen to the weather forecast before you venture outdoors. If you know a storm is coming, consider rescheduling the activities for a safer time.
  • Stay close to shelter. If you see lightning and then hear thunder within 30 seconds, run for cover. If you hear thunder only, lightning probably is not far behind. Once the thunder stops, stay indoors for 30 more minutes.
  • The best shelters are permanent, enclosed buildings, such as houses. Dugouts, bleachers and open gazebos will not protect you from a lightning strike.
  • If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water and off of the beach.
  • Stay away from trees.
  • A car is not an ideal shelter during a storm, but it is safer to be in a vehicle than out in the open.
  • Once the storm passes, stay away from fallen power lines and immediately report them to Klickitat PUD.

Your best bet for safety is to make a plan so you know what to do if you see lightning. That plan might not be the most convenient way to enjoy the outdoors, but you should always put safety first.

Look up and live!

One quick look to avoid a power line could save your life. Be alert for power lines when working outside. Identify potential hazards before starting any task.