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- Category: Past Issues
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Fire Department hosted a workshop for First Responders on how to work safely near downed electric wires recently.,
The program was presented by CL&P Safety and Health Administrator Warren Rogers, who used a slide presentation and props to educate the group. First Responders routinely respond to utility wires damaged by storms or motor vehicle accidents. The workshop described the dangers of high voltage wires and other components of the electric distribution and transmission system. According to Rogers, any object or surface in contact with a downed wire can carry very dangerous levels of electricity far from its point of origin. Even cable television and telephone wires can carry enough voltage to stop your heart.
“There’s just no way to look at a wire and tell if it’s live, or if it may become reenergized at any moment,” said Pomfret Assistant Fire Chief Derek May. “Our job is to identify the danger, protect ourselves and protect the public from downed power lines until CL&P crews can arrive to secure them to make sure no one gets hurt.” During a large storm which causes widespread damage, sometimes volunteer fire crews are out for hours on wires-down duty.
According to May, the public can help ensure their own safety by following the same rules that the responders do: Be alert for wires down after a storm or accident, and never assume that a wire is safe. Stay away at least 10 feet from any wire and never try to drive over or under a downed wire, or try to move it. Downed wires should be reported to 9-1-1 and to CL&P.
The workshop was held in the cafeteria of the Pomfret Community School and was well-attended by 56 responders from multiple local fire, EMS, emergency management, and public works departments.