Working around electricity

Being safe and using the right tools will help find success as you tackle home improvement repairs or projects.

• Watch where you're going and don't touch the power lines.
• Locate underground electric lines before digging. If in doubt, call dig alert at 811.
• Keep all machinery, equipment, materials, scaffolding, tools, boat masts, fruit-picking poles, antennas, satellite dishes, pool skimmer handles, metal ladders, and people at least 10 feet away from power lines
• If there's a power line in your way, call us at 1-800-611-7343. We may be able to turn off electricity, cover the lines, or even move them while you complete your work
• Digging, drilling or blasting can damage underground power lines and cause electrocution or fire.
• To avoid an accident, call our Underground Alert Service at 1-800-227-2600. We'll send someone to your site to show you exactly where our lines are buried.

For more safety information, check out our safety page.