SAFETY TIPS DURING HUNTING SEASON

Hunters and other gun-owners should be cautious not to shoot near or toward power lines, power poles and substation.  A stray bullet can cause damage to equipment, could be deadly to the shooter and potentially interrupt electric service to large areas.

Main Safety Points to Remember area:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot and be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
  2. Damage to conductors can happen, possibly dropping a phase on the ground. If it's dry and the electricity goes to ground, there is a possibility of electrocution and wildfire.
  3. Do not place deer stands on utility poles, do not climb poles or use them to support any equipment in your shooting activity.  Energized lines and
    equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
  4. Make sure you have a clear line of sight.  If your target is "sky lined" on a hill or power line and you cannot see what lies beyond, do not take the shot.
  5. Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
  6. Do not shoot at, or near birds perching on utility lines.  That goes for any firearm, including pistols, rifles or shotguns.
  7. Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment.  Anything
    attached to a pole besides utility equipment can pose an obstruction ---and a serious hazard ---to utility employees as they perform their duties.
  8. Avoid the use of lofting poles near overhead lines.  Remember, electricity can jump across a considerable distance.
                                      "GOOD LUCK HUNTING AND BE SAFE!"

MBLP Lineman demonstrate safety to Cherry Creek Elementary

The Marquette Board of Light and Power Linemen, Jon Betz and Travis Niemi gave a “Safety First Presentation” to approximately 55 fourth graders at Cherry Creek School.  Students were very excited and asked lots of questions. Teacher, Shirley Menhennick shared that this is a wonderful program on electricity and safety. The students were all able to learn a great deal about electricity in their lives.  The equipment and models used in the presentation captured the students’ interest and were a visual of the effects of electricity. The students learned how to be safe and even learned about career awareness and what training is required to become a lineman.  Overall, it was a great learning experience!

 

Emergency Tips

Are you ready for an emergency? Check out this Emergency Preparedness guide for tips and guidelines.

 

Home Safety Tips

Home Safety is important to all of us. At Marquette Board of Light and Power we take electrical safety as our top priority with our employees and the public we serve. Please take a look at Home Safety for safety tips and remember to always play it safe when it comes to electricity.

ALWAYS CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? Here’s what you need to know first: Dial 8-1-1!

Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

  • Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free, and helps prevent undesired consequences.  Dial 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig.
  • In a few days, they’ll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what’s below - and be able to dig safely. The BLP marks our underground lines within the utility right-of-way.
  • Remember, always call 811 before you start any digging project! You’ll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient day in the dark.