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Tag: Safety

Guy Wires Play a Critical Role in Community Safety

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News. No Comments on Guy Wires Play a Critical Role in Community Safety

While they may not look dangerous, guy wires play an important role in maintaining the safety and reliability of the electric system. Indiana’s electric cooperatives reminds consumers to be aware of these important support structures and follow a few simple precautions to help prevent accidents.

Guy wires can be found throughout the community. They are tensioned cables attached to utility poles, radio towers, tents, and other tall structures to help keep them stable. They are typically anchored in the ground and attached to utility poles to help support the structure against the constant pull of power lines. They are under high tension, so they shouldn’t be tampered with.

If a guy wire is loose, bent, or cut, it can compromise the stability of the entire pole. In some cases, that could lead to leaning poles, sagging lines, power outages, or injuries.

Yellow or plastic covers are often found near the bottom of some guy wires. These are called guy guards and help make the wires easier to see so people don’t accidentally walk or drive into them.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives encourage consumers to follow these safety tips around guy wires:

  • Don’t attach anything to a guy wire: Signs, decorations, pet leashes, and sports equipment can strain the wire or the anchor over time.
  • Be careful when mowing, trimming, or digging nearby: Hitting a guy wire with lawn equipment can damage it and create a safety hazard. If you are planning a project such as planting a tree or installing a fence, give the guy wires plenty of space. Call 811 if you plan on digging on your property.
  • Remind children not to play on or around guy wires: They may look like fun to climb, but they aren’t designed for play.
  • Speak up if something looks wrong: If you notice a guy wire that’s loose, damaged, or disconnected from the ground, contact your local electric cooperative to have it checked by a professional.

While they may not look dangerous, guy wires play an important role in supporting infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, and communities. Staying aware of a few basics can help prevent accidents.

Why Every Outdoor Project Should Begin with Safety

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

Outdoor projects such as landscaping, fence installation, tree planting, and mailbox replacement can improve your property. They can also create serious safety risks if utility lines are not properly identified first. Before starting any project that involves digging, homeowners should think about utility safety both below and above ground.

Before starting any digging project, homeowners should contact Indiana 811 online or by dialing 811 to have public underground utility lines marked. Underground utility lines may be closer to the surface than expected, making it important to locate them before digging begins.

Striking an underground utility line can cause injuries, outages, expensive repairs, or service disruptions for your neighborhood.

Indiana law requires contacting Indiana 811 at least two full working days before excavation begins, excluding weekends and holidays. After a request is submitted, utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground lines using paint or flags.

Indiana 811 marks public utility lines leading to the utility meter. Private utility lines, such as those connected to outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, detached garages, or fire pits, may not be marked and could require a private locator.

Homeowners should also look above ground before beginning outdoor projects. Ladders, long-handled tools, tree limbs, and other materials can come dangerously close to overhead power lines.

Trees and landscaping should never be planted too close to overhead power lines or utility poles. Trees growing into power lines are one of the leading causes of outages during storms and high winds. Branches contacting power lines can interrupt electric service and create dangerous conditions.

When planning landscaping projects, homeowners should also keep pad-mounted transformers and other utility equipment clear and accessible for utility crews. Shrubs, fencing, mulch, and decorative landscaping should not block access to electrical equipment.

Taking a few extra steps before starting a project can help protect your family, property, and electric service.

Source: Indiana 811

Utility Pole Testing Underway Near Washington

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Daviess-Martin County REMC would like to make the public aware that a representative from American Energy Services will be working south of Washington starting on July 14, 2026. The representative will be conducting scheduled utility pole testing throughout our service territory.

This routine maintenance helps Daviess-Martin County REMC evaluate the condition of our utility poles and ensure the continued reliability and safety of our electric system.

For identification purposes, we have included a photo of the American Energy Services truck. A red four-wheeler may also be used to access utility poles in harder-to-reach areas.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as this important maintenance work is completed.

Daviess-Martin County REMC Completes Annual Bucket and Pole-Top Rescue Training

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

It was a busy day at Daviess-Martin County REMC headquarters on June 10, 2026, as linemen completed their annual bucket and pole-top rescue training.

With temperatures near 90 degrees and high humidity, each lineman took turns performing both types of rescues in an impressive display of skill, stamina and industry knowledge.

What Is a Pole-Top Rescue?

The purpose of pole-top rescue training is simple: to prepare linemen to respond if a co-worker is ever injured or incapacitated while working on a utility pole. It is a situation no one wants to face, but practicing these rescue procedures each year helps ensure crews are ready when it matters most.

As part of the training, each lineman is required to conduct a mock radio call, notifying headquarters and emergency medical personnel of an on-the-job incident. After radioing for assistance and communicating that a pole-top rescue is underway, the lineman climbs the pole, secures the incapacitated individual—in this case, a weighted, life-size training dummy—and safely lowers them to the ground using rope rescue techniques.

What Is a Bucket Rescue?

Like a pole-top rescue, this situation involves an injured co-worker. However, instead of being incapacitated on a utility pole, the individual is in a bucket used to transport linemen to elevated work areas.

In this portion of the training, linemen are required to conduct a similar radio call prior to beginning the rescue. Following the mock transmission, each lineman takes turns operating the bucket truck controls to lower the training dummy to the ground. The bucket is then tilted to a position that allows the dummy to be safely removed.

Ten individuals from Daviess-Martin County REMC actively participated in this annual training, with each completing their rescues well within the required time frame. We are fortunate to have such an incredible crew on our team.

How to Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity This Summer

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

Summer means more time at pools, lakes, and rivers, but with that comes a risk many people don’t think about — electricity around water. Whether at home or on a boat, electrical safety should always be part of your plans.

Pools and spas

Electrical devices should never be near pools. Keep fans, speakers, and other appliances away from the water. Use battery-powered or waterproof equipment instead.

If someone feels a stinging or tingling sensation in the water, it may indicate electricity is present. Do not enter the pool to help. Instead, shut off the power and use a non-metal shepherd’s hook to pull the person to safety.

Before using long-handled pool equipment, always check for nearby power lines. Pools and hot tubs should be at least 25 feet away from overhead lines.

Lakes and rivers

Avoid using extension cords near the shoreline or docks. Never swim near boats connected to shore power or near docks with electrical services. Faulty wiring can leak electricity into the water, causing paralysis and drowning.

If you notice tingling while swimming, exit the water quickly but do not touch ladders or other metal objects. If someone is shocked in the water, do not jump in after them. Turn off the power source and use an insulated object to assist from land. Call 911 immediately.

Boating safety

Boaters should always know where power lines are located. Use caution when raising masts or fishing poles to avoid accidental contact. When docking, enlist someone to guide the boat and ensure it remains at least 10 feet from power lines.

Boats should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs). Portable GFCIs used near water should be labeled “UL-Marine Listed” and tested monthly.

To ensure safety, have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician. Wiring should meet local and state codes, and all connections should be secured in a panel box.

Remember

Water and electricity can be a fatal combination. Stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and review them with family and friends before swimming, fishing, or boating.