Electrical safety expert presents live line demo
Comet staff report

Safety first Carroll County REMC hosted a live line safety demonstration for area First Responders and others on Feb. 11. The program was presented by Kyle Finley, owner of Live Line Demo, Inc. (pictured in hard hat). Photo provided

Area volunteer fire departments, wrecker services, EMS, sheriff's, city and town police departments and local construction companies were able to witness a live line safety demonstration on Feb. 11. The two and a half hour demonstration was presented by Kyle Finley, owner of Live Line Demo, Inc., and was held at the Wabash & Erie Canal Center in Delphi.

Finley's expanded program for First Responders was sponsored by Carroll County REMC.

In his program, Finley explains the importance of what to do and what not to do in case of downed power lines. He teaches how to protect one's self and others from downed power lines and electricity related tragedies.

Finley gave graphic examples of what happens when farm machinery, tools or people come in contact with the electric lines. He also emphasized to never assume a line on the ground is not dangerous.

"It doesn't have to be arcing or sparking to be deadly," he said. "If in an accident involving an electric pole, stay in the car until help arrives. As long as there isn't a path to ground, you are protected."

Finley, a former lineman for Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative in Illinois, started Live Line Demo in 1998 to educate the public about electrical safety. He saw a definite need for public awareness. His program has been presented in as many as 12 states for events and companies such as Caterpillar Corporation, Anderson Grain Elevators, Cargill, Farm Progress shows, state fairs, schools and even Indiana Touchstone Energy Camp.

Finley said he can't emphasize enough that in case of an accident and with no fire, "Stay in the car, Stay in the car, Stay in the car!"

For more information, go to www.livelinedemo.com.