My neighbors are running extension cords across the street because one of them doesn't have power, is it safe?

Question

I am thinking it is dangerous for kids and a fire hazard. I called the power company and the fire department, but they haven't done anything. Am I just being paranoid? There are two cords running, connecting at the curb, and they run directly across the street and are kept down with duct tape.

Answer 1

Well I'd think that if you'd called the police and the power company, it's really all you can do.  I've been without power for several days myself and it can be annoying.  They've probably already contacted the power company to get it resolved so it's in their hands.  On the other hand, if they are behind on their bill and are getting the electricity because of that and not weather or whatever knocked it out, then it is illegal and needs to be addressed.  Keep calling the police daily until it's taken care of.

Answer 2

It's def not safe and not right, but why are they doing it? Did they get cut off by not paying their bill, or has a line been damaged that the power company may be able to correct tomorrow or at least soon? If its an issue of more than a few hours to a day, then this is what they make portable generators for. As far as your next call-  I agree with the person who suggested child services. Duct tape is not strong enough protection...what happens if it rains, and the cord shorts out and starts a fire, or electricutes someone, are they at least heavy duty cords that are UL listed for outdoor use?? Check your phone book for a local department of public safety. I don't think you're paranoid, I'd be flipping out too.

Answer 3

It is dangerous ! cars could go over it , damaging it. Anything could damaged, maybe accidently , it is a traffic area.Also as it (the cord ) is travelling far to give power it is losing"generations," so will be draining more power from the source

Answer 4

I would go unplug them under the cover of night. Just the vigilante in me.

Answer 5

If the police or fire dept are not doing anything...call you local TV station.....I bet they would make a story on it and have the wires picked up. It's even a hazard to run wires or cords under the carpet and out lighter than car's bodies step on them and cause them to break.....big time hazard

Answer 6

ok no its definatley not safe but its also STEALING. someone else is paying THIER power bill...because theyre stealing. I would be furious if i found out someone was doing that to me. You need to call the power company and tell them someone is stealing power from someone else. Even if the person supplying the power says its ok, its not. The people stealing the electricity should be responsible enough to pay thier own bill and not count on other people. If theyre running an ac or a swamp cooler on it, the people supplying it are going to have a big bill...and thats just not right. =T  and thats trashy! someone who would do that is just...trashy. If you dont have power, work something out with the power company...dont be cheesy and steal it.

Answer 7

They have a lot of b@lls! Plus, it's stealing.

Safe? Perhaps

Answer 8

Might  also  want  contact  building  code    dept of  your  town (building  inspections)  I  feel they  will split  and  child  could  get  shocked, if  water  envolved  could  be  very  bad.

Answer 9

lts never safe to do this

Answer 10

lol its not really unsafe..but i would think the health dept would want to know..because if there are kids in the house without power....they may be interested in knowing

Answer 11

So many levels of not safe...

Answer 12

It's probably not all that dangerous, although a bit legally tricky. If they get pissed at you for reporting them and getting them into any kind of trouble, expect it and don't be surprised. You seem to have called everyone in the world.