Year-Round Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

With summer winding down and fall on the way, it’s worth taking a moment to think about safety. No matter the season, these reminders can help prevent accidents and keep you and others safe.

Steer Clear of Padmount Transformers

Those large green boxes you see in neighborhoods are padmount transformers, and they play a key role in delivering electricity to homes and businesses. While they’re designed to be safe, they contain more than 7,000 volts of electricity. Please don’t sit or allow kids to play on them, and always keep at least 10 feet away.

If you notice one that looks damaged—maybe it’s dented, open, or has visible wires—call Central Lincoln at (877) 265-3211. And before digging anywhere near one, call 811 to have underground lines marked.

Look Up and Stay Safe

Balloons, kites, drones, and tree climbing are all part of outdoor fun, but if they come into contact with power lines, they can cause serious injuries or outages. Staying aware of your surroundings helps keep everyone safe.

  • Never climb trees near power lines. If a branch—or part of your body—brushes against a line, it can be deadly.
  • Keep balloons secured or indoors. Mylar balloons (the shiny, metallic-looking ones) are especially hazardous—they conduct electricity and can spark fires if they come into contact with a power line.
  • Fly kites, drones, and other remote-controlled toys far from power lines. If they make contact, they can cause outages, fires, or serious injuries. One gust of wind is all it takes to create a dangerous situation.
  • If something gets stuck in the lines, don’t try to retrieve it. Call Central Lincoln at (877) 265-3211.

Know What’s Below Before You Dig

Planting a tree? Building a fence? Even shallow digging can damage underground utility lines—which could knock out power, cause serious injuries, or leave you with a very expensive repair bill.

Always call 811 at least two business days in advance to have underground lines marked. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s the law in Oregon.

August 11 (8/11) may be National Call Before You Dig Day, but we want people to remember the importance of this every day of the year!

Summer and year-round safety infographic with a boy flying a kite, a mylar ballon near power lines, and a utility worker holding a sign that says 'stop.'