Savannah Chandler, MCC, 770.266.2408
(Media calls only, please. We can’t take outage reports at this number.)
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News crews covering weather-related or accident-related stories should exercise caution in areas where power lines may be down. Regardless of whether power crews have reached the scene, repair sites can be extremely dangerous.
Keep your eyes open around power lines or accident scenes.
“There are a lot of hidden dangers around power lines, accident scenes and power line construction zones,” says WEMC’s Brad Adcock, director of operations. “Our linemen are trained to avoid these hazards and work safely. It’s important for everyone else to stay well back from our crews and equipment.”
Besides being injured, onlookers can divert a lineman’s attention from the task at hand. When manipulating wires carrying 14,400 volts, these skilled technicians need to focus all their thoughts on what they’re doing.
After storms, debris and trees complicate the matter even more. Downed or low-hanging lines can be deadly if they are energized. Don’t let getting the story distract you from thinking about your own personal safety.
“If you have any questions about a Walton EMC work site, ask our linemen,” says Adcock. “They have the authority to maintain a safe environment and can tell you how far back to stay to avoid problems.”
TV news crews should especially be aware of power lines when raising microwave antenna masts and other tall electronic equipment, especially if it’s dark.
Call (770) 267.2505 to speak to a Customer Care Representative from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.