Trees And Power Lines: A Dangerous Duo (NAPSA)—Trees can provide shade, beauty and fresh air around your home—but they can also be dangerous if planted too close to electrical powerlines. The experts at the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the American Public Power Association (APPA) say . 7 uv pW, . : ys. - = 1 = : a st an ei Ss. = ES a . Ltt “A, sie a : _o vow 7 | 7 - c a . S feretusu” 5 og ha ey Pree es cs i rh i ce ca power outages can occur and dangerous electric shock hazards can develop if tree limbs touch electric wires or if branches fall on the utility line. “Trees can also hinder utility repair work and recognition of a hazard,” warned ESFI executive director Michael G. Clendenin. lt’s not prudent to try to prune trees growing near power For that reason, ESFI and APPA lines by yourself. Get a professional to do it. utility wires. To prevent trees from interfer- Also, tell your children not to climb trees that are close to power lines. “It takes only 10 to 40 milliamps for serious injury and even recommend that only naturally low-growing trees should be planted under or near overhead ing with power lines, ESFI recommends that homeownerscall on their electric utility or a tree trimming professional to prune even questionable tree limbs. Trimming trees near power lines can, itself, be very dangerous, and should be handled only by trained professionals. death to occur. Utility power lines can carry thousands of volts, nearly ensuring death to the vic- tim,” added Clendenin. You can find more safety tips online at the Foundation’s Web site: www.electrical-safety.org or by calling 703-841-3229.
