Tree on a Power Line in Rome, GA: Who to Call and What Not to Do
A tree on a power line is one of the most dangerous storm scenes. It can look calm. The line may still be live. This guide explains who to call and what not to do, for homes in Rome, GA and Floyd County.
Rule One: Stay 35 Feet Away
Treat every wire as live. Electricity can travel through wet limbs and through the ground around a downed line. Keep at least 35 feet back. Keep kids and pets inside.
If someone touches a live line, do not touch them. Call 911.
Who to Call for a Tree on a Power Line
- Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938 to report outages and downed lines, 24/7.
- Your electric co-op: if a co-op serves your address, use the outage number on your bill.
- 911: if anyone is hurt, trapped, or a fire starts.
- A tree crew: after the utility makes the area safe.
Not sure who serves you? Check your power bill. Parts of Rome and Floyd County are served by different providers.
What Not to Do
- Do not cut limbs touching or near wires.
- Do not use ladders, poles or ropes near lines.
- Do not drive over downed wires.
- Do not try to free a branch with a stick.
- Do not assume a dark house means the line is dead.
Who Removes the Tree?
It depends on which line is involved.
- Main lines on poles: The utility usually clears limbs from its own lines.
- The service drop to your house: The utility may disconnect it. Tree work after that is often the owner’s job.
- The meter and mast on your house: Repairs to these are often the owner’s job, done by a licensed electrician.
Once the utility says it is safe, a tree crew can remove the rest of the tree. See our tree on power line service page for details.
If a Line Falls on Your Car
Stay inside and call 911. Only leave if there is fire. Then jump clear with both feet together and shuffle away with small steps. More in what to do when a tree falls on your car.
Preventing Line Problems
Trees near lines need careful pruning by qualified crews. Never plant tall trees under lines. Report limbs rubbing your service drop. For storm prep, see the storm tree preparation checklist.
Need help before or after a storm? Call for tree help near you in Rome or Floyd County.
Understanding the Lines Near Your Home
- Transmission lines: big lines on tall towers. Utility only.
- Distribution lines: lines on poles along streets.
- Service drop: the line from the pole to your house.
- Phone and cable lines: usually lower on the pole. They can still be hazardous if tangled with power lines.
Treat all downed lines as power lines until a utility worker says otherwise.
Trees Touching Lines Before a Storm
Limbs resting on lines can spark, start fires or cause outages. Report them to your utility. Do not trim near lines yourself. Utility-qualified crews handle that work.
After the Power Is Restored
- Check your meter mast for damage.
- Look for scorched or broken limbs that touched lines.
- Watch for trees that shifted during the storm.
- Call a tree crew for the remaining work once lines are safe.
Generator Safety
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Never plug one into a wall outlet. That can send power back into lines and endanger line crews.
Who Serves My Address?
In and around Rome, power may come from Georgia Power or an electric co-op, depending on your location. Your monthly bill shows your provider and its outage number. Save it in your phone before storm season.
Outage Priorities
After big storms, utilities restore power in order. Hospitals, emergency services and main lines usually come first. Then neighborhoods. Then single homes. A tree on your service drop may take longer to fix.
When a Tree Crew Can Start
A tree crew can safely start once the utility has de-energized, cleared or confirmed the lines are safe. Ask your crew to confirm before they begin.
Quick Recap
- Stay 35 feet from downed lines.
- Call the utility first, 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Never trim near lines.
- The utility handles its lines. Owners often handle the rest.
- Tree crews start once lines are safe.
Local Notes for Rome and Floyd County
Power providers vary across Rome and Floyd County. Save your provider’s outage number from your bill. Georgia Power’s outage line is 1-888-891-0938. Never assume a line is dead.
FAQs
How long until the utility comes?
After big storms, crews start with hospitals and main lines. Homes may wait longer.
Will my insurance pay?
Damage to your home and mast is often covered. Ask your insurer. See tree removal insurance.
Can a tree crew work near live lines?
Only workers with special utility training may work close to energized lines.
Who pays to fix my meter mast?
Often the homeowner. Check your insurance.
Can I call a tree crew first?
Call the utility first when wires are involved. Then call the crew.
Can a tree on a phone or cable line hurt me?
Those lines may be tangled with power lines. Treat them as live until a utility says otherwise.
Should I report a limb resting on a line before a storm?
Yes. Report it to your utility before it causes an outage or fire.
Common Mistakes Near Downed Lines
- Walking close to “check” a wire.
- Driving over a line in the road.
- Using a branch or broom to move a wire.
- Assuming the line is dead because the power is out.
- Letting kids explore storm debris.
What if a downed line is sparking near my house?
Get everyone inside or away, call 911 and the utility, and stay clear.
Can trees regrow into lines after trimming?
Yes. Utilities return on a cycle to keep lines clear.
Sources
These outside sources informed this guide:
Georgia sources: Georgia Forestry Commission: Trees and Storm Safety
