| On June 16, 2014, Westchester County's Battalions 13 and 16 participated in a New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) Live Line Electrical Safety Demonstration. Approximately seventy-five firefighters from the Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, Pound Ridge, South Salem, and Vista Fire Departments took part in the drill. The event took place at and was hosted by the South Salem Fire Department.
Using Live Line Demonstration Equipment, NYSEG representatives outlined some of the electrical dangers that can exist in homes and neighborhoods, and hazards that can develop during storms and when emergency personnel respond to accidents. Firefighters watched the simulated results of a tree falling onto a power line, an object becoming entangled in a transformer, and a conductor falling onto a fence or guardrail. NYSEG also demonstrated what happens when common rescue equipment such as fire hoses, ropes, gloves and fire boots come into contact with live electric lines, and exhibited how electricity travels through the ground and water.
Additionally, NYSEG reminded the firefighters that when the power is out, sometimes homeowners inadvertently "back feed" the downed power lines. This happens with improper installation of a generator or transfer switch. So, even though the neighborhood may seem without power, the lines that are on the ground may still be live. I good rule of thumb is to consider all down lines are energized. They also mentioned to consider ALL lines as power lines. Even if it looks like a phone or cable TV line, if that line is crossed somewhere with a power line, it caries the same power. |
