Outdoor Safety
Learn how to be safe around electricity when working or playing outdoors.
Learn how to be safe around electricity when working or playing outdoors.
See a downed line?
Stay away! If you’re accidentally near one, shuffle away, keeping both feet in contact with the ground at all times. Move at least 50 feet away (about the length of a school bus) from any downed line -- and stay away from any trees, metal or water in contact with the line. Â
Storm Safety
Call PGE immediately at  503-464-7777  or  800-544-1795 to report any downed utility line. Here are some safety tips:
If you see a downed or sagging line, stay at least 50 feet away!
A downed line doesn’t have to spark to be dangerous.
Don’t touch anything near a downed power line.
If a person or animal is in contact with electricity, stay back.
If a line falls on your car, stay in your vehicle until the line is de-energized.
Never use gasoline, propane or charcoal burning devices inside your home.
Outdoor lighting
See options for installing streetlights and outdoor area lighting.
Choose your cords wisely
Only use heavy-duty, grounded, three-pronged extension cords rated for outdoor use. Periodically examine extension cords for breaks or damaged insulation. Discard and replace if defective.
Never alter or make temporary repairs to a cord.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs, are a good investment for all outdoor outlets to help protect you from serious injury.
Call 811 before you dig
If you’re doing yard work, make sure you call 811 to keep safe.
Tree maintenance
Get tips on how to maintain your trees and shrubbery safely around power lines.
Did you know that planting trees and shrubs near transformers is very dangerous? Always leave at least 20 feet between transformers and your landscaping.