Hawaii Electric Reminds Customers to Stay Clear of Power Lines
A recent fruit-picking incident in Wahiawa last month left a man injured after his metal fruit picker contacted a power line.
Hawaii Electric released a statement reminding customers to use extreme caution when near a power line.
“With summer right around the corner, many residents look forward to harvesting local fruits across Hawaiian Electric’s five-island service territory,” the company said in a statement.
“But the company wants residents to stay safe and avoid serious injury – or death – when picking fruits near power lines.”
To avoid the risk, Hawaii Electric listed down the following tips:
– Always look up and around for any power lines before starting any harvesting or trimming activity. Be careful not to touch a tree that is touching overhead power lines as the tree can become energized.
– Use the 10-foot-rule: always keep your body, tools, and other instruments at least 10 feet away from powerlines.
– Never trim trees that have power lines going through them or touch any tree limb that may fall into a power line. Hawaiian Electric recommends that a qualified arborist should trim and maintain tress, especially those near the power lines.
– If a person comes into contact with a power line, do not attempt to free the person as the line is energized and dangerous. Call 911 immediately for help.
– If you see any object caught in a power line, call Hawaiian Electric’s Trouble Line at one of the following or call 911 in an emergency.
Oʻahu: 1-855-304-1212
Maui: (808) 871-7777
Molokaʻi/Lānaʻi: 1-877-871-8461
Hawaiʻi Island: (808) 969-6666
