Utility Lines Pose Dangers After Storms

Spring storm season is upon us again, and that spells danger to our urban forest. High winds, sometimes with ice mixed in, put tremendous pressures on trees growing near houses or power lines. In their wake, tree care specialists face the task of clearing trees and downed limbs or educating homeowners about tree cleanup.

“Storm cleanup is often when many property owners crank up their first chain saw,” notes Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association. “And, not surprisingly, they injure themselves. It is also the time when ‘ambulance chasing’ tree care operators arrive in town looking for work. Some of these people charge exorbitant amounts for their work,” Andersen warns.

The Tree Care Industry Association, the trade organization for owners and operators of tree care businesses, offers these safety tips to help avoid personal injury or damage to property during storm clean-up.

Trees or large limbs that have fallen into power lines can be deadly.

If a utility line is down:

• Call the utility company immediately.
• Assume any downed line is energized.
• Don’t touch the tree or anything touching the downed line. 
• If a tree falls onto the lines and pulls them down on a cyclone or metal fence, it is possible that the entire fence is energized and therefore dangerous.
• Keep pedestrians, children and pets away from the area.
• Contact with energized lines can result in electrocution.
   
  Do not use a chain saw for tree removal unless you have years of experience in handling one. Even professional tree care personnel face risk of injury using chain saws. Tree removals are very unpredictable – don’t take unnecessary chances!

For more information, contact the TCIA by calling 800/733-2622 or visiting www.treecaretips.org