Emergency tree removal stops at the power line

Emergency tree removal stops at a power line. The call is 911 or the company on your power bill. Do not touch the tree or the line while you look up the number.

What OSHA says

OSHA wrote its fact sheet for cleanup workers. It says: "Assume that all power lines are live or energized." It tells those workers: "Stay at least 10 feet from all downed lines." It says: "Contact the utility company to de-energize and ground or shield power lines. All tree trimming/removal within 10 feet of a power line must be done by trained tree trimmers." Calling the utility is the homeowner's step. The line work inside 10 feet is for trained tree trimmers.

OSHA's 10 feet is the minimum it sets for cleanup workers, not a safe distance for you. Stay much farther back.

What the power companies say

Alabama Power says: "Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live and life-threatening." It says: "Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or any other object from a downed line."

Oncor, a Texas utility, says: "Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items touching or near a downed wire." It also says: "When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out through the ground." And: "It's possible to be shocked when in the area of a downed power line, which is why it's so important to stay away and keep others away as well." Oncor is quoted here as a general warning. It is not the power company for the four cities on this site.

SWEPCO says: "Always keep your distance and presume a fallen wire is energized and dangerous." It says: "If you encounter a fallen wire, keep yourself and others away, and call 911 and your local power company immediately." Use 888-218-3919 if SWEPCO is the company on your bill.

Florida Power & Light says: "If you see a downed power line or other damaged electrical equipment, be sure to stay far away and immediately call 911 or FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)." Use that number if FPL is the company on your bill.

The number in your city

Call the company printed on your power bill. If someone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first. The city pages list the utility number we could source for that city:

• Pensacola: FPL, 1-800-468-8243
• Mobile: Alabama Power, 1-800-888-2726
• Tallahassee: the city utility, 850-891-4968, or 711 for TDD
• Shreveport: SWEPCO, 888-218-3919, if that is the company on your bill

A tree fell on the house. Here is the order to follow. puts this call before photos, insurance, and hiring.