National Grid
Electric Safety Be Safe Around Overhead Lines—Avoid the DangerZone When working outdoors, please be aware of the dangers of working near overhead power lines. These power lines are not insulated, and they carry enough energy to cause serious injury or even death. Keep ladders and other equipment at least 10 feet away at all times. If you see a downed line, keep everyone away and call us immediately at 1-800-465-1212.

More details: Trees and Utility Lines Learn more about selecting and planting trees—Avoid Tree & Utility Line Conflicts (pdf)

Dig Safely If you’re planning any type of excavation project, call 1-888-DIGSAFE (344-7233) three days before digging, drilling or blasting begins. This free service helps you prevent personal injury, property damage and service interruptions caused by accidentally digging into electric, gas, telephone, water, sewer or cable facilities.

DigSafe notifies us and other participating utilities, giving us time to mark our underground wires, pipes or cables to prevent personal injury, property damage and service interruptions.

Electric Safety
  • Overhead power lines are not insulated, and carry enough energy to cause serious injury or even death. Regard all wires as live.
  • Keep yourself, your co-workers, friends, family and vehicles at least 10 feet away from residential electric lines and equipment.
  • Stay alert. Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from power lines when carrying, moving, and raising them.
  • Keep away from wires when working with tools, pipe, lumber or siding—all of which can conduct electricity.
  • Make sure the area is clear of wires before working near trees or shrubs.
  • Never attach or tie anything off to power lines or electrical equipment.
To further ensure your safety, consider all lines "energized" and put an effective ground on all equipment working near overhead electric lines.