SWPPD fair demo offers safety tips

Southwest Public Power District, based in Palisade, brought their hotline demonstration unit to the Chase County Fair. The demo offered safety tips on how to avoid accidents around electric power distribution lines. At top, lineman Zach Tagge shows tires can conduct electricity. If someone is in a car and a power line falls on the car, the best advice is to stay in the car until help arrives. If the occupant must exit the car, for instance the car is on fire, jump away from the car as far as possible, landing on both feet.  While moving away, shuffle feet on the ground to avoid any possible arcing that could occur if a foot is lifted in the air. Kite flying near electrical lines is not safe either. Below, Tagge shows that kite string can conduct electricity, right down the person flying the kite. Their advice—release the kite immediately and don’t try to remove it from the electrical lines. Instead, call the electric provider immediately and let them handle the removal safely. (Johnson Publications photos)