Before you grab the ladder or start that weekend exterior project, there is one critical safety rule that often gets sidelined in the excitement of a home makeover: Look up.
Overhead powerlines are easy to miss because they are a permanent part of the landscape and we are used to seeing them there. But they are incredibly dangerous.
Whether you are cleaning gutters, painting siding, or trimming overgrown branches, a momentary lapse in spatial awareness can have fatal consequences.
Most people assume the insulation on these wires is a safety coating, but it is often just weatherproofing that has degraded over time. Even if you don’t touch a line directly, electricity can “arc” or jump to a nearby conductor—like a metal ladder, a pole saw, or a long-handled pool skimmer.
To stay safe, follow these steps:
- Maintain a 10-foot buffer: Keep yourself and all tools at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.
- Use fiberglass ladders: If you must work near electrical entry points, avoid aluminum or metal, which conduct electricity.
- Carry ladders horizontally: Never move a ladder while it is upright to avoid accidental contact with low-hanging wires.
- Look Up Before Pruning: Trees can often grow around or over power lines, hiding them from view. Before trimming branches or climbing a tree, inspect the area thoroughly for “hidden” lines tucked away in the foliage.
- Never Touch a Fallen Line: If a storm or accident brings a line down, stay at least 35 feet away (about the length of a transit bus). Assume every downed wire is energized and dangerous, even if it isn’t sparking or humming.
A quick scan of the sky takes five seconds but can save your life. Before you start your project, look up and live.