Around the Home

Overhead Power Lines

Overhead distribution lines

  • Don’t make contact with power lines and work at a safe distance from them.
  • Avoid contacting power lines with ladders, tools or equipment. Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines.
  • Look up for power lines when using ladders, scaffolding, framing a building, painting, pruning trees, picking fruit or working atop buildings.
  • Make sure to have adequate clearance while moving objects under power lines to avoid contact.

Underground Power Lines

PPL maintains underground power lines in some parts of its service territory. Making contact with those underground lines could cause injury or death.
  • Call 811 – the call is free – before digging with power equipment. By calling 811, you ensure that a survey is done in the dig area for underground power lines and other utilities.
  • Call 811 at least three business days before any type of dig, whether with a shovel or power equipment.
  • Know this information when calling 811:
  • The street name and address of the dig.
  • The nearest intersection.
  • The name of the company doing the work (if applicable).
  • For more information on safe digging, visit www.pa811.org or www.pa1call.com.

Inside the House

power strip with plugs

  • Make sure all power cords are in good condition and not frayed or cracked. Do not put nails or staples through cords.
  • Make sure plugs fit securely and are not forced into an outlet.
  • Make sure to use light bulbs that are the correct, recommended wattage.
  • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity can make contact.