o Watch for and be aware of overhead power lines while participating in any outdoor activities. Overhead electric lines are dangerous, and contact with one can seriously injure or even kill. Always assume that all power lines are energized, even if they’re on the ground and appear to be dead. o Stay away from downed power lines and anything they come in contact with, such as a fence or vehicle. If you see a downed line, immediately call Xcel Energy at (800) 895-1999, or call 911 and warn others to stay away until help arrives. o Advise children to fly kites, model airplanes and any other toys on strings or wires only in open areas far from overhead power lines and never during a storm. Even a dry string can conduct electricity, so these toys should never be used near power lines. Never fly toys with a wet string, and don’t use wire as kite string or to control a model airplane. If a toy or anything becomes tangled in a power line, don’t try to retrieve it, call Xcel Energy for help. o Never play on or near electrical equipment such as power poles, towers, substations or switch cabinets. Do not climb trees near power lines or other electrical equipment. A tree limb touching a power line will become energized, and touching the limb in that situation is just as dangerous as touching a live power line. o If a pet climbs a power pole, do not attempt to climb the pole to rescue the pet. Let the animal come down on its own. Climbing the pole would put you and your pet at risk of touching an energized line. o When letting pets or children out after a storm, always check your yard and the neighborhood beforehand for potential downed lines. o Be aware of power lines when boating or fishing. The masts on sail boats conduct electricity, as do some types of fishing line. Avoid casting near power lines no matter what kind of fishing line you use, and never attempt to retrieve fishing lines or lures that are tangled with an overhead power line.
