The Starke County Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents to stay safe around trees and power lines.
Officials recommend that residents stay away from trees by a distance of one-and-a-half to two times the tree’s height during periods of wind and heavy rain, since “mature oaks in the area continue to carry excessive water weight.”
When it comes to downed power lines, residents should stay one-and-a-half poles away, since electricity can travel more than 10 meters on the ground, especially if it’s wet. Fuses that are blown or appear to be disconnected may not be. Things that wouldn’t normally conduct electricity can, if voltages are high, so motorists are urged not to drive on or under downed power lines.
If a vehicle is in an accident where a power line ends up on or near the vehicle, the EMA says it’s best not to get out. If there’s a fire or immediate danger, occupants should “’jump’ free from the vehicle attempting to land both feet on the ground, simultaneously shuffling the feet rather than lifting.”
The EMA reminds residents to call 911 immediately for incidents involving power lines.
