As Pennsylvania observes National Electrical Safety Month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is issuing an urgent call for public vigilance around downed power lines and storm-related electrical hazards, following a series of tragic fatalities in recent weeks. Severe storms that swept across Pennsylvania in late April left more than 500,000 homes and businesses without power and caused widespread infrastructure damage — and sadly, three Pennsylvanians lost their lives during recent storm-related incidents that remain under active investigation by the PUC’s Electric Safety Division In a typical year, Pennsylvania averages five electrical contact fatalities statewide — so this recent series of deaths over a short period of time underscores the often unseen but potentially deadly hazards related to storms and power lines. When storms strike, downed wires can energize the ground up to 35 feet away — even farther in wet conditions. The PUC and national experts urge residents to follow these critical safety tips:
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