Whether you operate drones for personal or professional purposes, Indiana Electric Cooperatives reminds you to consider electrical safety to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.

“Open areas are excellent places for people to fly drones, but they should keep them away from overhead power lines,” said Jon Elkins, vice president for safety, training, and compliance for Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “While drones might seem safer than something like a kite, where there is a string a person may be holding when it comes into contact with power lines, they still present serious safety concerns.”

Remember these tips when flying a drone for recreational or commercial purposes:

• Don’t fly drones anywhere near power lines or electrical substations.
• If a drone flies into a power line, it could cause power outages or lead to downed lines, which pose an electrical safety hazard. There may also be falling debris that could injure people.
• Should your drone get caught in power lines or crash into a utility pole or substation, never attempt to retrieve it yourself. Trying to free the drone by entering a substation is not only criminal trespassing, but you can also be electrocuted. Call the electric cooperative or other utility for assistance.
• Don’t touch a downed line or anything it has fallen on, such as a fence or a tree limb.
• Keep a safe distance from downed lines and tell others to do the same.
• Call 911 to notify emergency personnel and the utility immediately if you see downed power lines.
• Follow federal or state guidelines for registering your drone or getting business approval.