Ways You Can Help Prevent Power Outages in Your Neighborhood

Every day, our crews are out working to maintain and improve the electric grid that serves homes and businesses across Ohio. Replacing poles, upgrading equipment, installing new smart technologies, trimming trees away from our power lines and equipment — all with the goal of improving the reliability of your electric service.

When you think of power outages, you probably think of severe weather. However, there are several other things that can cause the lights to go out for you and your neighbors, which might surprise you. Learn how you can help prevent power outages.

• Drive safely. Did you know vehicle accidents can have a significant impact on the reliability of your electric service? Not only are they a leading cause of power outages but vehicle accidents often cause damage that can take longer to repair (sometimes six or more hours!). Safety is our number one priority, and we ask our employees and customers to focus whenever they are behind the wheel so everyone makes it to their destination safely.
• Plan before you plant. Trees are a top cause of power outages. Selecting the right tree for your yard ensures future generations will enjoy its beauty and shade. Planting the wrong tree can mean more frequent trimming and possible service interruptions for you and your neighbors. Always consider the height, variety and spread of any trees you plant near power lines.
• Call before you dig. Striking an underground power line can result in costly repairs, power outages and more importantly, a serious or fatal injury. Even if you think you know where underground lines are located, these lines can move due to erosion, shifting terrain and previous digging projects. It’s best to get expert help. That’s why you should always call 811 at least 48 hours in advance of any digging to get underground utility lines marked first.
• Keep balloons grounded. Released balloons may look pretty going up, but coming down they’re flying hazards that threaten the grid (and animals). Balloons that get tangled in our equipment can cause a power outage. That’s especially true with metallic Mylar balloons, which conduct electricity and create an electrical surge that could spark a fire and pose a safety risk.
• Secure loose outdoor items. Storms often bring strong gusts, turning backyard objects into dangerous flying projectiles that could cause an outage or injure people. Before a storm, be sure to identify potentially hazardous objects such as umbrellas, lawn furniture and trampolines and either firmly secure them or bring them inside.

Avoid Delays by Providing Clear Access to Our Equipment

While they may not directly cause an outage, physical obstructions can pose a safety hazard and delay crews’ work to restore power.

• Be mindful of landscaping around equipment.

  

  Customers with a padmount electric transformer in their yard sometimes want to conceal it with high grass, shrubs or other landscaping. Please don’t! Our workers require easy access to this equipment, so don’t plant anything closer than 10 feet on any side with an opening, and at least 3 feet away from the other sides.

• Keep signs off utility poles. Flags, yard sale signs, political messages, lost pet flyers — these might be informative for your neighbors but they’re a danger to our workers and can slow restoration efforts. Objects used to hang signs — such as staples, tacks and nails — can obstruct climbing equipment and cause a worker to slip or fall. They can also tear the protective gear that helps keep our workers safe when dealing with electricity. (Even the tiniest pinhole in a glove is enough to cause a burn or other injury.) Not only is it dangerous to hang signs on poles, but in some areas it’s actually illegal.

With your support, we can keep our crews safe and focused on maintaining and improving the grid. Thank you for helping keep the power flowing in our communities!