Steer clear of overhead and underground utility lines

WASHINGTON - With the spring season upon us, Pepco officials say more people will be outside doing yard work or engaging in recreational activities, underscoring the need to be safe around overhead and underground utility lines.

Pepco urges people to avoid power lines when carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding, tree saws and pool cleaning equipment by holding them parallel to the ground. Remember to look up before raising any items to be sure they are clear of any overhead wires.

Touching a power line with any part of your body or most objects can result in serious injury or death. Electricity can move through conductive materials such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics. Certain critical clearances are required by law and a minimum of 10 feet must be maintained when working near power lines.

When landscaping or building on your property, be sure to call Miss Utility at 811 - a free service that will mark where underground utility lines are buried. If you puncture electric power, natural gas, propane, water, sewer, cable television or telephone lines with digging tools or equipment, you could be seriously injured, and may be liable for injuries and repair costs.

Foliage, while beautiful, can shroud meters making them difficult to read and service. Keep the area around electric meters free and clear of obstructions.

For more safety tips, log onto Pepco's Web site at www.pepco.com.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.