Seattle utilities provide tips on how to avoid electrical injuries

Richard Seven

Nov. 3, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- As windstorm season approaches, Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light urge residents to get prepared and exercise caution and common sense when encountering downed power lines.

As part of their Take Winter by Storm (www.takewinterbystorm.org) campaign, the utilities Monday rolled out their new hybrid diesel-electric service trucks, had workers demonstrate tools they use to safely clear hazards, and displayed emergency generators.

They also provided two interactive demonstrations designed to teach people how to insulate themselves from electrical danger by visualizing how currents move and interact with objects and humans.

For instance, when a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out in a pool. If you run or stride near it, your legs will bridge currents from higher to lower voltage and cause electrocution.

Experts advise that people near a downed line "shuffle" away with their feet close together. The heel of your front foot should never get ahead of the toes of your back foot.

Other lessons:

--If a power line hits your vehicle, stay inside until help arrives.

--If you must exit the vehicle, be careful never to touch the car and the ground at the same time. Be sure to keep your arms crossed over your chest while you jump. Then shuffle away.

--Try to stay about 30 feet or more from a downed line. Be careful what you carry; electricity can travel through it.

--Don't touch anyone else who is in contact with a power source. Instead, turn off power at the control panel if you can and call for help. Alert the responder quickly that it is an electrical injury.

--Don't try to clear branches resting atop a line. Call the utility company. It has the equipment and expertise.

The so-called Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm that slammed the region in December 2006 caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and left many residences and businesses without power for a week.

It also contributed to the deaths of 18 people, eight from carbon-monoxide poisoning. Generators and charcoal and gas grills should never be used indoors.

Utility spokesmen said trees have been cleared from hundreds of miles of line, and staffing and equipment have been bolstered and improved since the 2006 storm. Still, they emphasize that all residents should be prepared to fend for themselves for up to three days.

Being prepared means checking your property now for potential hazards, making an emergency plan with your family and talking with your neighbors.

It also means packing an emergency kit, perhaps one in your car as well as one for your home, which should contain:

--One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

--At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

--Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

--Flashlight and extra batteries

--First-aid kit

--Whistle to signal for help

--Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

--Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

--Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

--Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

--Local maps

--Cellphone with chargers (car charger recommended in the event of power outages)

Storm tips

Before the storm:

--Assemble a disaster supply kit.

--Be sure you know the proper use of home generators.

--Find out who in your area might need help.

--Check with your veterinarian for instructions on animal care in an emergency situation.

--If you live on a coastal or inland shoreline, know evacuation routes.

--Have and know emergency plans at work, school and day-care center.

--If you have an electric garage-door opener, locate the manual override.

During the storm:

--Don't panic, but take quick action.

--Turn off the stove if you're cooking when the power goes out, and also turn off natural-gas appliances.

--If indoors, move away from windows or objects that could fall. Go to lower floors in a multistory home.

--If you are outdoors, move inside. Avoid downed electric- power lines, utility poles and trees.

--If driving, pull over and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building.

--Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.

--Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.

After the storm:

--Check yourself and those around you for injuries.

--Evacuate damaged buildings.

--If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors, open windows and leave. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electrical switches indoors.

--If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for up to two days.

--Help neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.

--Avoid making local telephone calls.

--Monitor the radio for instructions or an official "all clear" notice or locations of emergency shelters and medical aid stations.

Source: Seattle Office of Emergency Management

Newstex ID: KRTB-0181-39397117