The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in Hawai‘i is intensifying its public awareness campaign to ensure residents know how to safely respond in the event of downed power lines or other electrical emergencies. The Division of Consumer Advocacy (DCA) has released updated guidelines on how to handle such potentially dangerous situations.
For immediate emergencies involving downed power lines or sparking near utility poles, the DCA dictates residents should not hesitate to first call 911. The urgency of these cases necessitates the first responders to be swiftly notified and to then alert the electric utility. A troubleshooter will be dispatched post-haste. "Never touch a downed power line or attempt to move it, and always assume it is energized," the DCA guidelines state emphatically, according to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Concerns that do not rise to the level of immediate emergencies, like vegetation overgrowth near power lines, should be reported directly to local electric utility providers. Hawaiian Electric and KIUC have their own specific non-emergency contact information and protocols for these reports. Vegetation poses a safety concern when it comes into contact with power lines and reporting these issues helps mitigate potential risks.
For non-emergency situations, Hawaiian Electric provided contact details encouraging residents to reach out with any vegetation concerns. "For vegetation concerns or questions regarding tree trimming and inspection, please contact," the utility's recommendations read, showcasing available contact numbers for different regions within Hawai‘i, according to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Similarly, KIUC invites members to report issues with a description and location via email, phone, or even Facebook Messenger.
Prevention and safety adherence are keystones to the DCA's message. Keeping vegetation trimmed and away from homes and power lines, never planting trees directly under them, and acting decisively when witnessing sparks or smoke near utility poles are all part of the responsibility shared by the community. These measures play a crucial role in preventing outages and ensuring safety.
