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Dear Willie,
My daughters often help their father on our farm during the summer while they are out of school.  We know how dangerous large farm equipment can be, so we have always taught them how to be careful around all the machinery.  But until recently, it never occurred to me how often they work near powerlines.  What are some things I should tell them about working safely in this situation? 
-Worried Mother

Hello Worried,
First of all, congratulations on raising young women who are interested in agriculture.  According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, women are the principle operators of over 8,700 Oklahoma farms.  But I digress.

You are right to be concerned about the dangers of powerlines.  Farm workers are killed each year by electrocution when large farm machinery makes contact with overhead powerlines.  The following tips will help keep everyone on the farm safe:

* Look over work areas carefully for overhead powerlines and utility poles.

* Make sure there are ample clearances of power lines when moving large machinery such as combines, grain augers, pickers, bailers and front end loaders.

* Be extra careful when working around trees and brush that often obstruct power lines.

If you do find yourself in trouble, it is very important to know what to do.  Imagine that you are driving a combine to the field through the back gate when things come to a screeching halt.  You look back to see what's stopping you only to discover that you're tangled in an overhead power line!  What do you do?

First, DON'T climb out.  Unless you're in immediate danger, stay where you are and call for help.

Most utility lines are uninsulated, bare wires.  Do not let your body become a direct link between the power line and the ground.  If you must leave the combine, jump as far away as you can, making sure that no part of your body touches the combine and the ground at the same time.

Once you're off the combine, do not go back until your local electric co-op disconnects the power line.