Residential Services

Electric Safety

Conserve Water and Energy and Save!

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LADWP developed a Power Transmission and Distribution Safety Section in the early 1980’s to address the need for specialized safety concerns of their Power Lineman and Cable Splicers. Over the years, this section has evolved and grown. At the start, this section met the needs of the Power Distribution Group. It is now named Power System Safety (PSS) and is responsible for the safety needs of over 4,000 Power System employees. In addition to the responsibilities towards the employee’s safety, this group supports the LADWP Water Safety Group and the Corporate Safety Group in ensuring we are safety stewards to our customers and the public.

What if the power lines are down?

Downed Power Lines
  • Never touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized. Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
  • Don’t touch anyone in contact with a power source – you could be killed or seriously injured. Instead, turn off power at the control panel. Then call for help and tell them it’s an electrical injury.
  • If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest method is to open the door, stand on the door sill, and jump free without touching the car.
  • Stay away from metal fences, such as a chain link fence – there may be a power line down touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
  • If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
  • In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don’t become a victim while trying to help others. Visually look around the victim to see if they are in contact with any power lines or cords then call 911.
  • If someone has been shocked and is not breathing, call 911. Then cover the victim with a blanket and keep their head low.

What if my power goes out?

When the Power Goes Out
  • It is especially important to stay calm in the event of a power outage.
  • Always keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
  • Turn off and unplug any appliances or other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items such as irons or portable heaters.
  • Leave one light turned on so you will know when your power returns. It also helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.

Mylar Balloon Safety

Mylar Balloon Dangers
Mylar balloons near power lines.

Each year, thousands of homes and businesses are impacted by power outages caused by stray Mylar (metallic) and oversized balloons. When Mylar balloons come in contact with power lines, they can cause power lines to burn and fall to the ground-posing a significant threat to public safety.

LADWP offers the following tips when enjoying metallic balloons:

  • Always attach a weight to metallic balloons.
  • Never release metallic or latex balloons outdoors. They can become tangled in power lines when released or when they fall back to the ground.
  • Keep metallic balloons away from power lines.
  • Never use metallic ribbon with metallic balloons.
  • Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when no longer in use.

eSMARTkids Website

NEW interactive and fun site for kids, parents, and teachers. Learn about electric safety, energy generation and conservation, and more using games, experiments, and lessons.

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