(NPPD)-- Fall weather is moving into the area and as farmers start to harvest their crops, Nebraska Public Power District wants to remind equipment operators to look up and look out for powerlines.

NPPD asks large equipment operators working around powerlines to keep their equipment at least 20 feet away from any lines.

If a piece of equipment gets too close to a line, electricity can arc to the equipment and result in potentially serious or fatal injury. Whether it is a piece of farm equipment, or other large equipment such as excavators, it- important that operators are aware of powerline locations so they can complete their work safely.

NPPD also wants to remind farmers who utilize drones to take note of where powerlines are located. The pilots should be aware of powerlines, so they don’t damage their drones or the powerlines near the fields they’re operating in.

If an equipment operator does get too close or contacts a powerline, anyone inside the vehicle should remain there until help can arrive and deenergize the line.

When a powerline is touching a vehicle or lying on the ground, it can electrify both the vehicle and the ground in the surrounding area. If a fire forces you to exit the vehicle, then do so by jumping away from the vehicle, landing on two feet, and shuffling as far away from the area as possible.

Each day review all farm activities and work practices that will take place around powerlines and remind all workers to take precautions.

• Know the location of powerlines and when setting up the farm equipment, be at least 20 feet away from them. Contact your local public power provider if you feel this distance cannot be achieved.

  Use caution when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck or wagon. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and sometimes a powerline is closer than it looks. For large equipment, use a spotter to make certain the equipment stays a safe distance from the line.

• Always adjust portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level - under 14 feet - before transporting them. Variables like wind, uneven ground or shifting weight can cause unexpected results.