Duke Energy provides training to emergency responders in Central Florida on how to safely manage incidents involving live electrical wires

This week, Duke Energy conducted a training session aimed at assisting first responders in handling emergencies involving downed power lines.

Severe weather conditions can often lead to accidents that damage electrical infrastructure like poles, wires, and transformers, posing significant safety hazards that could cause injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the appropriate actions to take – and what to avoid – when dealing with live power lines can be crucial in preventing tragic outcomes.

The training began in the classroom, where first responders from around Central Florida learned best practices regarding electricity safety.

Ivan White, lead health and safety professional at Duke Energy, emphasized the importance of awareness for all citizens, not just first responders.

“We want to bring some awareness to the community, really just driving safe practices for them to adhere by,” he said.

After the theoretical part of the training indoors, participants took part in hands-on exercises outdoors to simulate real-life scenarios. By witnessing live demonstrations, first responders gained practical knowledge essential for ensuring their safety and that of the community.

“So a lot of the the learning that happens here is about some of the differences with some of the things that they could see in the field with a downed line or a car hit pole scenario,” White explained.

“Some of the things that we would ask them to do, essentially some of the 811 locate information that we hope they do so that when we get into an underground power line, they know to step back, call a professional, and let us have a look at it.”

Downed power lines are common during severe weather, including natural disasters. In October, News 6 met an Orlando family whose house caught fire after a downed live wire sparked a massive blaze during Hurricane Milton.

As hurricane season continues, Duke Energy reminds the public about the hazards of downed lines.

“Never assume anything is de-energized. Always stay 30 feet away from anything down and always, always call us and let us respond and validate what’s going on in the field,” White advised.

The safety training was available to teams from Winter Garden, Windermere, Ocoee and Oakland, as well as Orange County. The safety training included a live-line demonstration, which showed the first responders how to interact around power lines and demonstrate various electrical and safety scenarios.