At a location where line/equipment damage has prompted an outage, linemen will do extra patrols of the affected section of line to make certain no other flammable objects are touching the electrical equipment. Only then will the all-clear be given and the line re-energized. The linemen will then remain at the location to ensure no embers are smoldering.

This may lengthen the response time, for precautionary purposes, which could be important if a fire has been sparked. LPEA has line personnel on stand-by throughout the night – one journeyman lineman each in Durango, Bayfield/Ignacio and Pagosa Springs. In the event of more serious conditions, additional line personnel will be called to an outage location.

If there is an outage, customers should go outside and survey their property for downed power lines, smoke or a visible fire. Members should also look at the trees that are near the electrical lines. Call LPEA if there are large branches that could potentially fall through the lines on a windy day.

If members notice any indication of fire, call 911 immediately, then call LPEA at 247-5786, and stay away from all downed powerlines.