Live Line Safety Demonstration Trailer Visits Tupelo Honey Festival

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s (GCEC) live line safety demonstration trailer made a powerful impression at the Tupelo Honey Festival in Wewahitchka.

Built in-house by GCEC employees, the trailer features working electrical equipment used in the field by lineworkers. The goal is simple but critical: to educate the public about the dangers of electricity and the importance of staying safe around power lines.

Each demonstration begins with an overview of the personal protective equipment lineworkers are trained to wear— including rubber gloves, sleeves, and specialized tools such as hot sticks—before they approach a live line. From there, the presentation shows what can happen when common items like tree limbs, balloons, kite strings, ladders, or a fire hose come into contact with an energized line. Even items that might seem safe, like rubber boots, are used in the demonstration to help dispel dangerous misconceptions.

1 of the most eye-opening parts of the event is the simulated car crash scene. Lineworkers demonstrate what happens when a car touches a live line, and they explain why you should never approach the vehicle, even if someone inside needs help. A hot dog is used to simulate a human hand, showing just how quickly and severely a person can be injured. In that scenario, the safest course of action is to remain in the car and wait for help. If you absolutely must exit, lineworkers demonstrate the proper “bunny hop” technique—keeping your feet together and avoiding step potential—to safely move away from the vehicle.

GCEC uses the live line trailer as a public safety resource, making it available to schools, fire departments, civic organizations, and other community groups as part of its commitment to safety and education.

To book a demonstration, contact Kristin Douglas at (850) 265-3631, extension 3002, or email Kristin Douglas.