For fire, EMS and law enforcement
First Responder Safety
Electrical hazards can turn an emergency scene deadly in an instant. Call McKenzie Electric early so our crews can make the scene safe while you protect the public.
Need McKenzie Electric on scene?
Call us right away
Office: 701-444-9288
24/7 dispatch: 800-584-9239
Treat every line as energized until our crews confirm it is not.
- Scene size-up
- Step and touch potential
- Vehicle accidents
- Structure and equipment fires
- Solar, batteries and EVs
Arriving on scene
Size Up the Scene
Downed lines may be hidden by smoke, snow, trees or debris, and a line can be down a span or more away from the obvious damage.
- Assume all lines are energized, including phone and cable lines that may be touching power lines.
- Look up and around before you set up. Position apparatus away from overhead lines.
- Keep yourself and the public at least 35 feet from downed lines.
- Watch for energized fences, guardrails, vehicles, water and wet ground.
- Do not rely on non-conductive tools. Leave lines and electrical equipment to McKenzie Electric.
Hidden hazards
Step and Touch Potential
Step potential
When a line contacts the ground, electricity spreads out through the soil. If your feet are in two different voltage zones, current can flow through your body. Shuffle with your feet together.
Touch potential
A person standing on the ground can be shocked by touching a vehicle, fence or object that is energized. Do not touch anything that may be in contact with a line.
Vehicle accidents
Poles struck and lines down
A damaged pole can drop lines or equipment at any time, and lines can stay energized even when they are on the ground.
- Call McKenzie Electric early so crews can de-energize the lines.
- Keep occupants inside the vehicle unless there is a fire or other immediate danger.
- If they must exit, instruct them to jump clear with feet together and shuffle away without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time.
- Do not approach a vehicle in contact with a line until our crews confirm it is safe.
Fire scenes
Structure and Equipment Fires
Structure fires
Request McKenzie Electric to disconnect service. Pulling the meter does not guarantee the structure is de-energized and can cause an arc flash. Watch for service lines falling as the fire progresses.
Water and electricity
Avoid spraying water on energized lines or equipment. Water and hose streams can conduct electricity back to you.
Transformers and substations
Never enter a substation or open electrical equipment. Protect exposures from a safe distance until McKenzie Electric arrives and de-energizes the equipment.
New technology
Solar, Batteries and Electric Vehicles
More homes and businesses have their own power sources. These systems can stay energized even after utility power is shut off.
- Solar panels produce electricity whenever there is light, even when the power is out.
- Battery storage systems can hold a large amount of energy and may reignite.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles have high-voltage systems, often marked with orange cables. Follow the manufacturer’s emergency response guide.
- Let McKenzie Electric know if a scene involves solar, battery storage or EV charging equipment.
Report outages, downed lines or hazards
Call McKenzie Electric Cooperative. Crews are on call 24/7.