When winter blankets the state in snow, North Dakotans use shovels, snowblowers or snowplows to clear the white stuff from driveways and other areas around homes, farmyards or businesses.

This winter, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative urges you to be safe during snow-clearing chores.

FIRST, be aware of where electrical equipment is located. Avoid plowing into pad-mounted transformers, cabinets, poles and guy wires while moving snow. Mark electrical equipment near driveways and sidewalks with flags or posts to avoid hitting the equipment with a plow when the snow gets deep.

THEN, please keep equipment clear of snow and accessible for lineworkers. Shovel by hand around power equipment to  avoid contact. In the event of an outage, clearing snow around utility equipment will make it easier for lineworkers to  restore power. The National Electrical Code requires at least a 10-foot clearance in front of power equipment and 3 feet on the sides and back for lineworkers to be able to access the area during an emergency.

WHILE ground-level equipment is important to avoid, remember to look up, too. Be aware of overhead power lines,  especially when removing snow from your roof or piling snow in an area. Pile snow away from power lines where equipment may come into contact with the lines or where children might play.

IF you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Call Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative to report a downed line or other damaged equipment immediately.