Power Line and Chainsaw Safety After Storms
Many storm injuries happen after the storm passes, during cleanup. Downed lines, trees under tension and inexperienced chainsaw use are the main dangers.
Here is what homeowners can safely do and what to leave to trained, insured crews with the right equipment. This is also why the cheapest truck with a chainsaw is rarely a bargain: storm cleanup is where accidents and liability happen.
Key Takeaways
- Treat every downed line and anything touching it as live.
- Know which utility serves your home before storms.
- Trees under tension can spring back when cut.
- Leave large, hanging or loaded wood to professionals.
Downed and Tangled Lines
Stay far back from any downed line and anything touching it, including trees, fences and standing water. Call your utility. Oxford Utilities and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association serve much of the area; know which one serves your home before storm season.
Trees Under Tension
Bent trees and limbs pinned under other wood store energy like a spring. Cutting them releases that energy suddenly. This is where many chainsaw injuries happen.
What Homeowners Can Safely Do
Pick up small branches on the ground away from lines. Leave anything large, suspended, bent under load, near a line or on a structure to a professional crew.