LOWER SAUCON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A live demonstration in Lower Saucon Township gave first responders a firsthand look at the dangers posed by downed and energized power lines.
PPL Public Safety Specialist Ryan Geisinger spent the day demonstrating various electrical hazards for local first responders, including scenarios they could encounter while responding to emergencies.
“If you accidentally touch a power line that is active, it could be as simple as a small burn or it could end up killing you,” Geisinger said. “It does not take very much electricity to kill a person.”
The demonstrations showed how an electrical system reacts to different faults and potentially dangerous situations.
A stuck branch, falling balloons and even a hot dog standing in for a human finger were used to demonstrate what can happen when objects come into contact with energized equipment without proper safety precautions.
Geisinger said the goal is to help first responders recognize hazards and make it home safely to their families.
“The most important thing for me is to make sure I’m getting home safe to my kids,” he said. “And it makes me feel good that I’m able to help other people get home safe to their kids as well.”
Kurt Bettler, a crewmember for Lower Saucon Township, was among the first responders who attended the presentation. He said the information is valuable for emergency personnel and the broader community.
“Things like this need to go to every municipality, every fire company,” Bettler said. “It’s awareness that everybody should have.”
The presentation also covered electrical safety at home, including the importance of turning off a circuit breaker before working around electrical outlets.
First responders were also shown what to do if they become trapped in a vehicle near a damaged power line. If it is safe to remain inside, they should stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
If they must leave the vehicle, responders were advised to jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time, keeping their hands crossed and feet together. Once clear, they should shuffle away from the vehicle with their feet together to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
The demonstrations were designed to prepare first responders for real-world situations involving electrical hazards and reinforce the importance of taking precautions around live power lines.