What do you do if you hit a power pole?

If you hit a power pole, pad-mounted transformer (“green box”) or other electrical equipment, DO NOT get out of the vehicle or cab. Instead, call 9-1-1 and wait for utility crews to come and de-energize power.

What happens when someone hits a power line?

If the power line is still energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path to ground for that electricity, and electrocution is the tragic result. Wait until the electric utility arrives and shuts off the power. The only exception would be if fire or other danger, like the smell of gasoline, is present.

How much does it cost to replace an electrical pole?

VERY rough numbers – commonly about $5-10/LF for overhead runs (meaning new poles typically every 100-300 feet, possibly more in high tree area), plus $500-3000 per pole needed depending on length (probably about 36-40′ tall minimum for your area if not rural but can be much more in heavily treed areas, so closer to …

How old is my utility pole?

Most poles now have a metal serial number tag. This number is used to inventory the pole and keep track of its inspection, treatment and age. The first marking is the date that the pole was treated.

What wood is used for power lines?

Southern yellow pines and Douglas fir are the most popular trees due to their size, but Northeastern red pine, Western red cedar and other softwoods that grow tall and straight are also used.

Will my insurance cover if I hit a pole?

Collision coverage is generally what you need in your car insurance policy to cover hitting a pole. It doesn’t matter what kind of pole it is. Whether it’s a light post, a telephone pole, or anything else, it would be covered under collision coverage.

How do I get a temporary power pole?

Getting temporary power to your construction site is an involved process. Once you vet different power companies and approve a quote, the temporary power poles need to be installed and there are permits and inspections that need to take place.

How much does a power pole weigh?

The volume of that pole is 30 * pi * 0.5^2, so 24 cubic feet. The density of pine is ~30 lbs per cubic foot, so this hypothetical pole weighs 30 * 24 = 720 pounds. If you need something more specific, call up your power company and ask them.

What happens when a vehicle hits a utility pole?

When a vehicle hits a utility pole, a power line can fall down. There’s a high risk of severe electric shock. Warning: In the panic after an accident, you could easily fail to notice a fallen power line. Stay in your vehicle and don’t touch any metal parts of the vehicle.

What happens when a car hits a power line?

Each year, countless vehicles crash into utility poles and other electrical equipment across the energy grid. This usually causes power lines to come down – not only knocking out power to nearby homes and businesses – but also putting lives at risk.

What should you do if you’re hit by a downed power line?

Good Samaritans may see that you’ve been in an accident and try to help you without noticing the downed power line on or near your car. If anyone begins to approach your vehicle, or tries to help you, warn them to stay at least 20 feet away from the power line and anything it may touch. Honk your horn, roll your window down and yell.

What should you do if a power line touches your car?

If anyone begins to approach your vehicle, or tries to help you, warn them to stay at least 20 feet away from the power line and anything it may touch. Honk your horn, roll your window down and yell. Doing so could save lives.