OMU performs safety demonstration involving local emergency agencies

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — A vehicle brought down some power lines today in Owensboro, but it was a drill by Owensboro Municipal Utilities. It was a chance for emergency responders to train and work together.

OMU's Director of Transmission and Distribution Austin McLimore says he understands that there can be some uneasiness surrounding working with electricity and demonstrations give employees the opportunity to get more comfortable.

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The dramatic demonstration included the Owensboro Fire Department, Owensboro Police Department, and AirEvac. It simulated a vehicle running through an intersection and striking a pole.

In the scenario, an OMU employee working on the power lines a little further down was knocked unconscious by the wires slapping together. Emergency agencies scrambled to the person driving the vehicle and the worker while energized lines lay across the vehicle.

Officials say it is a demonstration they typically work through at least once a year, but not at such a scale.

"Sometimes the guys will come out. We've got a training pole yard over here to the side. They'll come out here, and they'll hone their skills. It's a process that we hope they never have to utilize, but they want to make sure that they are the best they can be in case they ever have to," says McLimore.

Officials say other classes offered throughout the week include de-escalation with Kentucky State Police and drivers' training.