Palmetto, GA—June 12, 2014—A vehicle loses control and slams into a utility pole, knocking wires down in the process. First responders arrive on the scene in minutes to assist the victims . . . but what about their own safety? Could these firefighters, police officers and EMS workers be placing their own lives in danger by approaching potentially electrified power lines?

 

Palmetto, GA—June 12, 2014—A vehicle loses control and slams into a utility pole, knocking wires down in the process. First responders arrive on the scene in minutes to assist the victims . . . but what about their own safety? Could these firefighters, police officers and EMS workers be placing their own lives in danger by approaching potentially electrified power lines?

According to officials with Coweta-Fayette EMC and Georgia EMC—the statewide trade association that serves Georgia’s 41 electric membership corporations—this type of situation is all too common and extremely risky for emergency personnel.

To help local first responders understand the dangers that arise from electricity-related emergency situations, Coweta-Fayette EMC hosted a training session June 3 at the co-op’s office in Palmetto.

“Discussing electrical hazards with our first responders is critical,” said EMC Engineering VP Chris Stephens. “This information could save a life.”   During the training session, which drew a crowd of about 50 public safety officials from Coweta/Fayette Counties and the City of Palmetto, Stephens shared tips on power line identification. Greg McKoy, GA EMC Training Center Supervisor, provided information on electricity and its characteristics, as well as examples of the associated types of emergency situations.

“Electricity is always searching for a path to ground,” McKoy said. “It’s important that you don’t become a part of that path.”

He stressed scene assessment, maintaining a safe distance from downed lines and contacting utility companies as soon as possible when a wire is involved. A high voltage lab demonstration by Pike Electric further demonstrated the dangers of electrical equipment.

Coweta-Fayette EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 75,000 member accounts in Coweta, Fayette, Heard, South Fulton, Clayton, Spalding, Troup and Meriwether Counties.