Equatorial Maranhão Warns Public on Dangers of Tree Trimming Near Power Lines

Equatorial Maranhão is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when trimming trees, especially after periods of intense rainfall in Maranhão, which accelerate vegetation growth. The company warns that attempting to prune trees near or touching electrical grids without proper training and equipment can lead to severe, even fatal, accidents. Regular tree maintenance is crucial for healthy growth and to prevent branches from interfering with power lines.

Lúcio Santos, Equatorial Maranhão's Manager of Works and Maintenance, highlighted the company's ongoing preventive maintenance efforts aimed at minimizing risks to both the public and the electrical system. He explained that pruning helps prevent short circuits, power outages, and accidents caused by branches extending beyond safety limits. During strong winds and heavy rains, these branches can fall or contact the grid, disrupting energy supply.

The responsibility for tree trimming varies: municipal authorities are accountable for public spaces, while property owners must maintain trees on private land. In both scenarios, periodic and preventive pruning is essential. For safety, Equatorial Maranhão advises hiring specialized professionals who use appropriate techniques, protective gear, and adhere to minimum safety distances from power lines. The company itself handles pruning when branches are already in contact with wires. Residents are strongly discouraged from attempting to prune trees near power lines themselves due to the risk of electric shock, grid damage, and endangering themselves and the community. For assistance, Equatorial Maranhão can be contacted via Central 116. Safety guidelines include increased vigilance during rainy seasons, hiring qualified professionals for private properties, avoiding metallic ladders and improvised tools, maintaining a 3-meter distance from power lines, and ensuring cut branches do not fall onto the grid. When planting large trees, selecting locations far from electrical infrastructure is recommended. These advisories are part of the "Vc+ Seguro" movement, promoting electrical safety awareness, and are amplified during August with the "Agosto Vermelho" campaign.