Let’s Climb a Tree!
What fun to climb trees! No matter the season, tree climbing is a rite of passage for kids of all ages. Trees give us a place to dream and the quiet peace to reflect on life. The sheer height makes the world seem to be able to be conquered in one leap. Before we climb that tree, there are several precautions we should take to keep us safe and able to climb many more trees for years to come.
Check the tree for power lines
Power lines that are nearby, through or attached (they should not be) to the tree can create a deadly mix for us. When a power line is near our tree, we can be electrocuted if the line has somehow become energized through many different situations. Power lines that flow through trees are subject to come down and may do so while we are in the tree. Tree branches that are touching an energized power line can also catch on fire. Look before you climb!
Check for loose branches
Checking for loose branches can prevent a trip to the Emergency Room. Loose branches are subject to snap and break as you are climbing them. Take care to carefully observe your tree and ensure that loose and dead branches are not present. Loose branches can fall to the ground while you are climbing them, fall on your head as you are playing under the tree or catch on fire if they are touching a potentially energized power line.
Back fed lines can kill
When utility power from the electric company is lost, lines that are being improperly fed for use with a portable or standby generator can cause the power lines to be back fed. Back feeding literally sends unused power from the generator powered home through the power company’s electrical lines, thereby energizing those lines and potentially shocking or killing any lineman working on the line. This back feed can also shock or kill anyone who is in contact with items that are touching those energized lines. During power outages, be cautious about your tree climbing.
Together we can be safe and still enjoy the childhood fun of dreaming, jumping and climbing up trees. For more information or to share visual information with your small children, visit Dominion Energy’s e-Smart Kids. Adults can visit our page What is Backfeeding?
