Though power lines are essential to distributing electricity to your home or office, they are not designed for human contact. It is extremely dangerous to touch a power line, whether it is overhead or has fallen on the ground. The following guidelines will help keep you safe.

• Report any downed lines to Greenville Utilities immediately by calling
  752-5627. Do not touch a downed line or anyone in contact with the line. Always assume a downed line is live.
  
  
• Never make contact with overhead power lines while:
  • Trimming trees.
  • Using fruit-picking poles.
  • Working on a roof.
  • Installing or removing an antenna or satellite dish.
  • Using a long-handled pool skimmer.
  • Using and carrying metal ladders.
  • Moving a boat with a mast.
    
    
• Do not remove anything caught in power lines -- not even an animal. Instead, call GUC immediately at 752-5627.
  
  
• Beware of a downed power line touching a vehicle. Stay clear of the vehicle and the power line. If a power line touches your vehicle while you are inside, remain calm and follow these directions:
  • If you can do so safely, stay inside the vehicle until emergency assistance arrives.
  • Warn others to stay away from the vehicle and have them call GUC.
  • If you must get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
    
    
• The safety of those working near electric lines is important to everyone at GUC. And in North Carolina, there is a law – the High Voltage Safety Act – to help keep you safe. This law applies to anyone planning to:
  
  • Work within 10 feet of an overhead high voltage power line
  • Use ladders or operate/install equipment that could approach within 10 feet of a high voltages line during installation or maintenance.
  • The person performing the work is responsible for contacting North Carolina One Call (811 or 1-800-632-4949) and making sure all safety precautions have been taken at least two working days before work begins. Greenville Utilities will assist you to identify hazards and implementing necessary safety precautions. You could be subject to charges for protective actions taken on your behalf by GUC.