Minnkota launches Watch the Wires

Minnkota Power Cooperative is proud to announce the launch of its latest public safety initiative, Watch the Wires, in partnership with its member cooperatives across eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

This new campaign is designed to reduce the number of public incidents involving electrical infrastructure, with a special focus on agricultural safety. As farm equipment becomes larger and more automated, rural electric co-ops have seen a significant increase in line contacts in the region. In fact, public transmission line incidents have more than doubled in the past five years. These contacts have the potential to turn deadly if a driver or operator leaves the vehicle without taking the proper precautions.

The campaign’s key goals include reducing overhead line contacts, pole strikes, guy wire clipping and underground line contacts (e.g., digging accidents). If contact occurs, the campaign includes steps to safely escape the situation.

“Through the Watch the Wires campaign, it is our hope that people will have a greater awareness of the presence of, as well as the risks associated with contacting, power lines and poles,” said Minnkota Safety Manager Jason Uhlir. “The campaign provides important information should someone find themselves involved in a power line- or pole-related incident. Knowing the proper steps to take can be the difference between life and death.”

To support the effort, Minnkota has developed Watch the Wires safety kits that will made available without cost* to farmers, contractors, and other interested entities and individuals. The safety kits include:

• Safety briefing documents

• Wallet contact cards

• Safety procedure stickers

• Window clings

• Magnets

• Phone pouches

• Can koozies

• Notepads

• Optional: Field/approach signs

Minnkota’s Safety team has also developed a Watch the Wires interactive tabletop demonstration to share with local schools and youth group. The demo shows what can happen when vehicles and equipment come too close to power lines, using real electrical currents.

These materials are intended for outreach, education and visibility in the communities Minnkota and its members serve. You can see more about the campaign at WatchtheWires.com or Minnkota.com.

Let’s continue working together to keep our communities safe and aware. Watch the wires – every time, everywhere.

*Large or special requests may be subject to an additional fee.