Safety Tips

• When planning summertime activities, like block parties and yard sales, remember not to use utility poles to advertise or decorate for your event.

• Posting signs, hanging banners or tying ribbons and balloons on utility poles can endanger utility workers and often is a violation of local ordinances.

• The safety boots worn by line workers for climbing poles are especially vulnerable to becoming snagged and caught on staples and nails embedded in poles. Foreign objects can also tear utility workers’ clothing or injure workers despite the safety gear they wear to avoid contact with rough surfaces.

• Be cautious around guy wires that support utility poles. Do not let children swing or climb on them and be careful not to run over or into them with yard equipment or vehicles. Report any damaged guy wires to Kirkwood Electric.

• If you are planning to remove a TV antenna or install a satellite dish on your roof, stay away from the service drop wires or overhead power lines.

• Exercise precautions when using ladders or cleaning near a service drop, where the wiring comes into your home by the meter. The wires are covered with weatherproofing material, not insulation. The material can become brittle or cracked and may expose energized wires.

• Power lines and equipment are not just overhead. Be aware of undergrounding (underground power lines and equipment) when digging. Contact the Missouri One Call System before doing any digging or excavation. The material can become brittle or cracked and may expose energized wires.

Workplace Safety Tips

• Always assume power lines are live. This applies to power lines on utility poles as well as those near homes and buildings. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, never assume it is safe to touch. Even momentary contact with power lines can cause injury or death.

• Keep all cranes, scaffolding and high reach equipment away from power lines. Contact with a power line can cause serious burns or electrocution. Remember to work a safe distance from all power lines.

• When performing construction activities, keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines and 25 feet from transmission tower lines. Use a spotter to ensure compliance with the line clearance. If clearance cannot be obtained, request that Kirkwood Electric de-energize the lines.

• Exercise precautions when using ladders or cleaning near a service drop. The wires are covered with weatherproofing material, not insulation. The material can become brittle or cracked and may expose energized wires.

• Be cautious around guy wires that support utility poles. Be careful not to run over or into them with equipment or vehicles. Report any damaged guy wires to Kirkwood Electric .

• Keep yourself and others away from any fallen power lines. Call Kirkwood Electric immediately to report the location of the down wires.

• And always remember to Call Before You Dig.

Contact Us

Customer Service/Billing:  314-822-5843
Electric Service Questions:  314-822-5842
Email:  KirkwoodElectric@kirkwoodmo.org