Climbing a tree is an age-old summer activity, but it’s critically important to make sure the trees you or your children climb are clear of power lines. Climbing a tree is an age-old summer activity, but it’s critically important to make sure the trees you or your children climb are clear of power lines.
Earlier this month, a young Everett man was seriously injured when he came into contact with power lines while climbing a tree. He needed CPR to restart his heart and was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for additional care.
Our wishes go out to the young man and his family for a full and speedy recovery. While this incident happened outside Seattle City Light’s service territory, it should remind all of us of the need to stay safe around power lines.
Safety is the first priority for Seattle City Light in our vegetation management work. Our contractors and crews trim trees to provide enough clearance so branches won’t grow into power lines for at least the next four years. Even so, there are still cases where a tree grows faster than expected and branches come into contact with the wires.
Look for such hazards and stay clear. Always assume that any power line is energized. Don’t let a day of fun climbing a tree turn into a nightmare.
If you spot a tree that has grown into power lines, contact us at (206) 386-1733.