Ice StormElectrical Safety
January 24, 2026
Freezing rain and ice are putting heavy stress on trees and power lines across our area. This is when most electrical injuries and equipment damage happen.
Please take a few minutes to read this. It can prevent serious problems.
The Golden Rule of Downed Power Lines
Ice-covered branches are heavy, unstable, and unpredictable. If a power line comes down in your yard or across the street:
Stay at least 35 feet away
That’s about the length of a full-size school bus.
Assume it’s LIVE
A power line does not need to spark, hum, or move to be deadly.
Do NOT try to move branches or debris
Electricity can arc (jump) through wood, metal, or wet ground straight to you.
Protect Your Electronics Before the Power Goes Out
If your lights are flickering, an outage is likely close.
Unplug high-value electronics
Computers, TVs, gaming systems, and Wi‑Fi routers should be unplugged. Surge protectors help, but unplugged is the only 100% protection when power comes back on.
The "One-Light" trick
Leave one lamp turned ON (an LED lamp is best). When it comes back on, you’ll know power is stable without testing every outlet or appliance.
Unplugged is safest. If you can’t unplug everything, prioritize the most expensive or most important devices.
Generator Safety (Important)
If you’re using a portable generator, follow these rules every time:
Keep it 20 feet away from the building
Carbon monoxide has no smell and builds up fast.
Never backfeed power
Do not plug a generator into a wall outlet. This sends electricity back onto utility lines and can seriously injure or kill line workers restoring power.
Dry hands only
Make sure your hands are dry and the generator is on a dry, stable surface before touching switches or cords.
Check Your Service Mast After the Storm
Once the rain stops, do a quick visual scan of where the power lines meet your roof.
Check the pipe
If the metal pipe (the mast) is leaning or pulling away from your siding, call an electrician immediately.
Important to know
The utility company fixes the lines, but you are responsible for the mast and meter base. If that equipment is damaged, the utility company cannot legally reconnect your power.
A Note From Drop Line Electric
Stay warm and stay safe.
