• Antennas - Plan carefully before installing CB or television antennas. Look over the area and learn where all the power lines are located. When carrying an antenna, or any object such as a metal pipe or gutter, keep it away from power lines. When installing or repairing antennas, make certain they never come in contact with electric lines.
• Kites - Fly kites in open fields far away from power lines. Remember that kites often travel long distances. Never fly kites with metallic fabric, string, or tails because metal is an excellent conductor of electricity. If a kite becomes entangled in a power line, leave it there. The safest thing to do is to buy another kite.
• Ladders - Keep ladders, especially metal ones, away from electric lines at all times. Pay particular attention when moving an extension ladder. Do not let it get away from you and touch a power line.
• Climbing - Never climb a tree that has power lines running through it or near it. Electricity is seeking a path to the ground and can travel through a tree. Never climb poles or fences surrounding electrical substations or other electrical devices. The equipment inside can be charged with thousands of volts of electricity. Never climb an electric pole, tower, or any structure supporting electric lines.
• Fallen Wires - Never touch a fallen wire or any object that is in contact with one. Always assume that a fallen wire is energized and keep clear of it. Keep others away until the power company can be notified. If you are in a car that is contacted by a fallen wire, do not attempt to get out. Stay inside until help arrives. If you touch the car and the ground at the same time, you can be seriously injured or killed. If you must leave the vehicle to avoid injury or death, open the door and using both feet, jump out and far away from the car, never touching the car and ground simultaneously. Do not step out of the car onto the ground.
• Hunters - Never shoot at power lines, poles, insulators, or other electric facilities. Damage from gunshots can cause lines to break or fall, resulting in fires, serious injuries, or an interruption in electric service. It is also against the law. Shooting at insulators can cause poles or towers to become energized, and fallen lines can energize fences or other structures that create hazards for other people.
• Trimming Trees - Use extreme care when cutting down or trimming trees close to power lines. Falling branches can become entangled in the lines and become conductors, or knock the lines to the ground, endangering other people. Check trees for power lines before starting a trimming project.
• Lawn Tools - Electricity and water don't mix. Keep power tools, radios, appliances, electric lawn mowers, and other lawn tools away from swimming pools, sprinklers, garden hoses, and wet grass. Do not operate electric tools in the rain. Check cords and plugs on electric tools and replace those that become damaged.

To view a .pdf file of the Allegheny Power brochure Electrical Safety Outdoors and Indoors, click here.