Safety Around Power Lines
Use caution around all power lines.
Keep your distance from power lines to stay protected.
Power lines deliver essential electricity to our homes and businesses, but they pose serious safety risks. Power lines are intentionally installed out of reach (or buried in the ground) to prevent contact, but they can sometimes be brought down by tree limbs, high winds or other accidents.
Strong winds, ice and heavy snow are all conditions that can bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, stay at least 30 feet away (about the length of a school bus).
All downed power lines are shock hazards, even if they don't hum or spark. Electricity can travel through objects, especially when wet, so don't touch anything or anyone that's touching a downed line.
Power Line Safety
Any contact with a power line can result in serious injury or even death. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:
- Always look up when carrying a ladder and use caution to avoid contacting an overhead line. Use fiberglass or wooden ladders instead of metal when working around overhead power lines.
- Never use power poles or utility lines to hang advertisements, signs, banners or decorations.
- Fly kites, model airplanes and/or toy drones away from overhead power lines in open, dry areas. Avoid kites made with wire, metal or foil.
Downed Power Lines
If you see downed power lines or another hazardous situation, stay at least 30 feet away. Don't exit your car or home. DO NOT TOUCH THE LINES. First call 911, then call Evergy at 888-544-4852.
- Never try to rescue someone who has made contact with a downed power line – you could become a victim yourself!
- Don’t touch anything that is touching a downed power line. Phone or cable lines, utility poles, vehicles, metal fences, ladders, trees or even the ground can all give you a nasty shock!
- Steer clear of damp ground and standing puddles.
Look out for downed lines that may be covered up by debris or fallen trees. DO NOT remove a tree limb or other object from a power line. Electricity can travel through objects, especially when they are wet. If a tree is in contact with a power line, Evergy’s vegetation team will be dispatched to help with the cleanup.
What if a Power Line Falls on My Car?
Stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of imminent danger (like a fire), remember these four steps:
- Do not step out of the vehicle, and do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time
- Jump clear of the vehicle, landing with feet together
- Shuffle away with small steps, keeping feet close together and on the ground
- Continue shuffling to a safe distance away.
Call Before You Dig
Call 811 before you start any digging project, or call 1-800-DIG-SAFE in Kansas or 1-800-DIG-RITE in Missouri to find out where power lines and other utilities are buried. Have this information ready:
- Name, address and phone number (for both the company and the excavator)
- Date and time the excavation is scheduled to begin
- Specific location, type and depth of the excavation
- Other utilities that could be affected
Once lines are marked, you can dig safely. Remember to inform all affected utilities at least two working days before you begin. If underground facilities are damaged, dislocated or disturbed before or during excavation, notify us immediately.
From our customers to our contractors, safety is first and foremost in any electrical incident. Whether you encounter a downed power line after a storm, are gearing up to do some yard work or decorating for an outdoor family party, we hope you’ll use these helpful tips to stay safe.
More Safety Tips
Indoor Safety
Electricity is part of our everyday lives. Use these tips to stay safe in and around your home.
Outdoor Safety
Kids' Safety Tips
