STAY AWAY TO STAY SAFE – DELMARVA POWER
Date Posted: Wednesday, May 21st, 2025Did you know that May is National Electrical Safety Month? At Delmarva Power, safety is our top priority – for our customers, employees, and the community. As your local energy provider, we’ve pulled together three tips for you to be safe around electricity all year-long.
Be aware of the power lines where you live and work. Always assume power lines are energized. This includes power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Always keep yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away!
Ladders
Never stand ladders near power lines. When working on or near ladders, keep all tools, the ladder, and anything you carry well away (at least 10 feet) from power lines.
High Reach Equipment
Keep all cranes, scaffolding, and high reach equipment away from overhead power lines. You do not have to make actual contact with an overhead power line to cause a flash which can cause serious burns or electrocution. Never use cranes, derricks or lifting equipment within 20 feet power lines unless you have notified Delmarva Power and know clearance requirements. When performing construction activities, keep people, tools, and equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines carrying up to 50kV and 25 feet for transmission lines (wires on steel poles or towers). If overhead lines are present and you or your equipment will be working within these distances, the law requires that you MUST contact Delmarva Power at 1-800-375-7117 prior to the start of any work.
Fallen Power lines
Keep yourself and others away from any fallen power lines. You never know when they might be energized. Call Delmarva Power at 1-800-898-8042 right away and report the location of the downed wires. If a line falls on your car, stay in your car. If you must get out of the car, jump clear, do not touch any part of your car and the ground at the same time and stay clear of the fallen line.
Trees Near Power Lines
Do not climb or trim trees near power lines and keep children from doing the same. Hire a qualified contractor to trim trees near power lines. Contact Delmarva Power if you have any questions about removing limbs or trees near power lines.
