Dangerous Pranks Put People and Power at Risk

Increased Reports of Shoes on Power Lines a Concern.

Throwing shoes - or any object - over power lines is risky and costly. Pat Muri, one of Flathead Electric's Journeyman Linemen, has taken in excess of 30 pairs of shoes off of primary and secondary power lines in recent months.

Pat Muri, Flathead Electric Serviceman, displays the shoes he has recovered from Co-op power lines in Columbia Falls.

Why is this happening in light of the danger, risk and expense involved? Unfortunately, there isn't a reason we can identify other than assuming individuals don't know the dangers. Local thrift stores and their customers are victims in this senseless activity too. Pat states, "Basically, these kids are taking shoes from boxes left at thrift stores and finding opportunities to throw the shoes on the lines. What they don't seem to realize is the personal risk involved, as well as the dangers this activity could cause others."

What dangers? FEC Safety Manager, Steve Bech, states, "The kids themselves could find themselves badly hurt or worse by doing this. If the shoe strings bring the wires closer together, it can cause the wires to burn down. The wires could energize the ground and electrocute either the kids doing this or an innocent victim who happens to walk by the area." Our linemen are also at risk when they have to retrieve the shoes. We try not to inconvenience members by de-energizing the lines so linemen are retrieving the shoes from lines that are hot.

Muri also adds, "Throwing objects at power lines can cause sparks, stress on lines, damage to conductors and cause power interruptions." Power interruptions for those folks on life support is serious business.

Like graffiti, there is a cost to the community in time and money to resolve these situations. Flathead Electric strongly urges people not to do this. We also encourage members to call the Co-op to report incidents where they see this happening and the locations where they notice shoes or any objects on the power lines.

November
2006
Roundup for Safety
Report