A gardener hits a gas line when removing a tree stump. A tall construction truck runs into an overhead electric line. A fire breaks out at a trailer park served by gas.

In all of these real-life cases, firefighters or police officers were the first to arrive. That’s why UniSource employees regularly train first responders on handling gas or electric emergencies.

One summer morning found UniSource gas and electric employees from our Santa Cruz County office leading a class of Tubac Fire Department firefighters about how to safely respond to energy incidents.

“It’s valuable for us and they teach us quite a bit,” said Ricky Rodriguez, a Tubac Fire Department Captain. “It’s a great partnership and we communicate very well.”

Such sessions are held about once a year to educate new first responders or refresh the knowledge of veteran officers. In Mohave County, the Lake Havasu Fire Department has its own mock gas setup to conduct its own training, as well as interactive sessions with UniSource employees.

In emergency circumstances, first responders should call UniSource, requesting electric or gas response, and in some locations, possibly both.

Electric employees often bring the electric safety board, which features a miniature village with power lines, a vehicle, electric equipment, and buildings. By turning on the mock board, employees can zap lines, action figures, and cars to demonstrate the dangers.

Responders were encouraged to always assume downed lines are energized and to stay 10 feet away, as well as to use wood or fiberglass ladders.

Tubac Fire Department captains said they are grateful for the information. “For our first responders, it gives us a better approach for dealing with downed power lines and coming up with our strategy on the scene,” Rodriguez said. “This information helps us to do our jobs in providing safety.”