Fire crews attend powerline training with Evergy

Local firefighters attended a training conducted by Evergy on Wednesday morning which focused on power lines.

The training offered a refresher on how to properly respond to emergencies involving overhead and underground power lines, including dig-ins and downed power lines from storms.

The goal was for first responders to learn how to keep themselves safe while assisting those in need.

“Unfortunately, accidents do happen,” said Angelo Barron with the St. Joseph Fire Department. “There were a lot of demonstrations that we saw here today and they just really teach you the workings of electricity and the dangers that can come with it.”

Evergy workers displayed a power line hazard trailer as a visual demonstration of the hazards a person encountering live power lines can experience.

One of the most vital demonstrations displayed for firefighters was what can happen when a power line current enters the ground due to a fault.

When this occurs, it can potentially travel through the ground and into your body if you come into contact with the affected area, creating a shock known as “step potential” where the current flows through your body from one foot to the other as you step across a difference in electrical potential on the ground.

“The list goes on of all the important things portrayed this afternoon,” said Barron, “From electrical conduits and simply being aware of how to possibly get out alive if you’re in a situation where electricity is present. I’ll certainly make sure I’m being safer.”

SJFD is encouraging households to review their own fire prevention efforts when it comes to power lines by:

Never touching downed power lines

Assume power lines are energized

Always keep a safe distance from power lines

For more information about how to keep your household safe from downed power lines, contact SJFD at 816-271-4603.