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If you are experiencing an outage, utilize the SmartHub app, or call 800-794-1989. If there is an emergency situation, please press 0 to speak to a member service representative. DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. 

 

 

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Power Line Safety

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  1. Safety
  2. Power Line Safety

Everyone must be aware of the electrical hazards associated with overhead and underground power lines. Farm equipment is getting larger which makes knowing your clearances even more important. Power systems are designed and constructed using vertical and horizontal clearances that allow for public and worker safety.

It is the member's responsibility to contact FreeState Electric Cooperative to determine the safe clearance. 

Electricity always tries to move toward the ground through the easiest path. It can jump or arc to equipment. Observing safe limits will protect you from fire, severe shock, or electrocution.

To help prevent a contact include the power system in your purchasing of equipment and the planning of the work to be done:

  1. Know what work is to be completed
  2. Know the size and type of equipment to be used
  3. Know the location of the power system
  4. Maintain a safe distance from the power system

Working Close to Overhead Power Systems
The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to:

  • Verify the height of your load before you begin to move/work. If you are moving an over height load on public roads, you will need to investigate our requirements. Contact the operations department to do this. 
  • Note the location of overhead lines, even if you will just be moving equipment around the farm. Line heights can vary depending on the weather and age of the lines. 
  • Know that vegetation near power lines may also be hazards.
  • Piling of material (bales, dirt, gravel, etc) should not be located under power lines, which will reduce the clearances.
  • Please contact FreeState if you have any questions. 

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MEASURE THE EXISTING POWER LINES
 

Steps to safely dig:
Whether you are planning to plant a new tree, put in fencing, or add a deck, have all underground lines located before you start.  Contact the locator at least two business days before digging. 

Call 811 before you dig.

Take the time to determine the location of all underground electrical lines. Excavating near power poles can be dangerous. Although buried electrical lines are insulated, contact with a sharp shovel or equipment could easily damage the protective covering and expose you to harmful electrical current. The number and depth of cables will vary. Use extreme caution.

Do not disturb the soil near the base of a pole.

power line safety
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Contact Info

McLouth Office
507 N. Union
PO Box 70
McLouth, KS 66054

Topeka Office
1100 SW Auburn Rd. 
Topeka, KS 66615

Toll-Free:800-794-1989

EMAIL US!

 

About Us

With 14,974 members and 20,551 service points FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state of Kansas. FreeState serves nine Kansas counties and provides distribution infrastructure to Fort Leavenworth. 

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©2021 FreeState Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Trustees
    • Cooperative Leadership
    • Powering Fort Leavenworth
    • Cooperative Transparency
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Media Inquiries
    • Submit Feedback
  • Member Services
    • Apply for Service
    • Payment Options
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Payment Assistance
      • Pay Now!
    • Capital Credits
    • Your Service
      • Security Options
      • Tree-Trimming
      • High Bill Concern
    • Member Programs
      • Co-op Connections Card
      • Ask Matt
      • Medical Necessity Notification
      • Renewable Energy
      • Time of Use
    • Charges and Fees
    • Member Guide
    • Rebates
    • Water Heaters
    • New Construction
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Map
    • Social Feeds
    • Storm Updates
  • Communications
    • Connect With Us!
    • Kansas Country Living
    • Mobile Background Images
    • The Signal
  • Community Development
    • Co-op's Vote
    • CoBank Sharing Success
    • Local Sponsorships
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Youth Programs
    • FreeState Business Directory
  • Safety
    • Agriculture Safety
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Generator Safety
    • Meter Access
    • Power Line Safety
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Ten Tips To Avoid Scams
  • Co-op FAQ
  • SmartHub Mobile
    • Using SmartHub
  • Annual Meeting
    • Annual Meeting FAQ
    • What's On The Ballot?
  • COVID-19