Wires Down on McKendree Road

Shortly after noon on Friday, July 6th, 2012, Company 4 was alerted for possible wires down in the area of McKendree Road and Rolling Fork Way in Glenwood.

Upon arrival, Brush 47 found two poles, which had been snapped off and shattered, lying in the roadway as well as multiple live power lines and a smoking transformer. Brush 47 shut down Mckendree Road. Police and BG&E were notified.

The scene was turned over to county Police and the Police Auxiliary while awaiting the arrival of BG&E, and Brush 47 returned to service.

It is important to remember when dealing with overhead lines:

• Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated.

• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities. If working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires.

• Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines.

• If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not leave your vehicle. Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire. Call or ask someone to call the local electric utility company and emergency services (911).