Reporting Tree Resting on Power Line

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oilpsi2high

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Last night I noticed my power flickering abnormally. On my drive to work this morning, about 1/4 mile up the road from my house, I noticed a HUGE tree branch resting on the overhead line that runs across the road. We're supposed to get severe storms tonight and there is no doubt in my mind that this will cause an outage.

Is there a way to report such a hazard to National Grid? I know they have a number to call for outages, but I am not sure about a rather large tree trunk resting on an overhead line.

Thanks for any help. Appreciate it.
 
I called their outage hotline. Spoke to customer service and answered a few questions, and I guess they have a crew headed out there now to check it out.

I'll have see if the tree is still there when I get home this evening.
 
I called National Grid upon seeing a service drop (line to a house) torn off a house and lying on the ground.
They were responsive and took all the info I could give them.

Seeing real trouble I made a long stick and lifted the line off the road so one lane could pass. The line still draped close to the ground on the road's other side. It was a small rural road.

I again called them to let them know what I did and that the danger was still very real and present.

BOTTOM LINE: They were there within an hour....pretty good given the site's remoteness.
 
Wow, National Grid's website is surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to damaged wires. They're all over it if you smell gas, but apparently wires worry them not.

Honestly, I'd probably call the local police, say you saw the tree trunk and downed wires and if they put you off or tell you to call the power company; "Okay, but I thought I saw some kids playing nearby". That oughtta get some action pretty fast.
 
Originally Posted By: JennyHemi
Wow, National Grid's website is surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to damaged wires. They're all over it if you smell gas, but apparently wires worry them not.

Honestly, I'd probably call the local police, say you saw the tree trunk and downed wires and if they put you off or tell you to call the power company; "Okay, but I thought I saw some kids playing nearby". That oughtta get some action pretty fast.


I don't think lying to the police over a tree resting on a power line is a very good idea.
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Call 911.


If it's arcing, smoking, or starting a fire, I would definitely call 911. The fire department will come out, and they will notify the power company and usually stand by until they gwt there.

If it's not doing any of the above things, just call the power company and they'll come check it out.
 
Call outage line and they will sort where to send the call.

I called local utility for a street light out in front of home. They had a guy out in 30 mins as I believe they have folks waiting for emergent stuff to do.
 
Had this happen when I was growing up. My dad called the power company and the dispatcher said someone would be out in a couple days to check it out. My dad responded with "well, I'll just get my chainsaw and cut it down myself". The power company arrived within 30 minutes to remove the tree.
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: oilpsi2high
Originally Posted By: JennyHemi
Wow, National Grid's website is surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to damaged wires. They're all over it if you smell gas, but apparently wires worry them not.

Honestly, I'd probably call the local police, say you saw the tree trunk and downed wires and if they put you off or tell you to call the power company; "Okay, but I thought I saw some kids playing nearby". That oughtta get some action pretty fast.


I don't think lying to the police over a tree resting on a power line is a very good idea.


Generally I also don't recommend it - but if it's a case where public safety is at risk and no action is being taken... I would consider this one a white lie.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: oilpsi2high
I called their outage hotline. Spoke to customer service and answered a few questions, and I guess they have a crew headed out there now to check it out.

I'll have see if the tree is still there when I get home this evening.


Odds are, they got 10 different calls on the same tree limb. Mondays are pretty hectic for power service repairs. Most weekend complaints are delayed until Monday.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Call 911.

If it's arcing, smoking, or starting a fire, I would definitely call 911. The fire department will come out, and they will notify the power company and usually stand by until they gwt there.

If it's not doing any of the above things, just call the power company and they'll come check it out.

You're are not an electrician and neither do I. No way you and I know if this tree branch can break the line or not.

Any heavy object on active power line can be life threatening, 911 is the one to call.

If I encounter someone fainted to the ground and stay down for a minute or two I will call 911. I will not touch him/her because I don't know anything about medicine and don't know what to do.
 
Originally Posted By: JennyHemi
Originally Posted By: oilpsi2high
Originally Posted By: JennyHemi
Wow, National Grid's website is surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to damaged wires. They're all over it if you smell gas, but apparently wires worry them not.

Honestly, I'd probably call the local police, say you saw the tree trunk and downed wires and if they put you off or tell you to call the power company; "Okay, but I thought I saw some kids playing nearby". That oughtta get some action pretty fast.


I don't think lying to the police over a tree resting on a power line is a very good idea.


Generally I also don't recommend it - but if it's a case where public safety is at risk and no action is being taken... I would consider this one a white lie.


If its a power line they should respond quite quickly. If it takes them 2 days to fix, liability is on them. No need to call 911 unless smoking or sparks. Just because a line is on ground does not make it dangerous or an emergency situation.
 
Last edited:
The outage hotline worked. The tree was gently placed on the side of the road when I drove by. Even in a rural area they responded pretty quick.
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If I encounter someone fainted to the ground and stay down for a minute or two I will call 911. I will not touch him/her because I don't know anything about medicine and don't know what to do.

I would recommend first aid training. Your actions (or inaction) are critical in the first moments of a person in need. That person may be your own family some day.
 
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