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Live Breaking News

May 31, 2007

This story is hot off the press (well it would be if we had a press). It is also literally “live” and literally “breaking”

Just a few minutes ago a truck took down the power lines over the street in front of my house. It also tore the hydro service off the side of the house (we still have power though).

Actually it’s been 40 minutes now, and as of yet no one has shown up to do anything about the presumably live power lines laying on my front lawn. I’m sure there’s a procedure for this kind of thing? Are live powerlines like swimming after lunch? Do you have to wait 30 minutes before doing anything?

*Update* they are cutting the power now… more to come…

**Update Number 2**

Things are being put back together as I write this (I had to leave the house, no power=little productivity for a web business!) and I have been very pleased with the efforts of all involved in the process of getting us reconnected.

This odd turn of events in my day did get me thinking.

What should you do if a suspected live powerline comes down?

Call Hydro One - Power Outages and Emergencies (24 Hours) - 1 (800) 434-1235

If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with power lines, do not leave the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time could be fatal.

You should stay 30 meters away from downed power lines, and keep EVERYONE away from them until the Hydro crews arrive.

You don’t need to contact a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump or arc from a non-insulated power line to an object that gets too close. The best insulator is to leave a great deal of space between you and energized power lines.

The safest way to move a ladder, flag pole, or other lengthy objects from one location to another is to have two people carry it. Keeping these objects horizontal avoids contact with overhead wires.
from PowerlineSafety.info

powerline safetyFor more details on Powerline Safety check out the at Home section @ PowerlineSafety.info. In addition to other info the ESA has produced a snazzy little flash tutorial to help you identify overhead powerline hazards around your home.

This post has got me thinking about a few more story ideas for the future… like energy conservation for example ( a conversation I am having with a lot of people lately) and on a similar note, the switchover to smart meters (which I hear is happening…we’ll do some research on that one and get back to you.)

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Written by Ryan · Filed Under The City, Events, Administrivia, theOwen 

Comments

One Response to “Live Breaking News”

  1. tommyboy Says:
    May 31st, 2007 at 12:14 pm

    Ryan…Ryan…Ryan…standard proceedure is to get naked, aquire a bucket of water, immerse feet in bucket and proceed to grab wire…come on you knew that…you’ll be prepared now for next time….glad to assist…

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