TALBOTT (WATE) – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s office is warning swimmers and boaters on Cherokee Reservoir to be cautious as they try to figure out what led to four different electrical shocks this week at private docks in Talbott near the Morristown area.
Darlene Gillispie spends a lot of time with her family on the Cherokee Reservoir. She’s lived there for eight years and the news that some of her neighbors felt an electric shock was a big surprise to her.
“Well I was worried because we had just had grandchildren here visiting for three weeks and we had spent quite a bit of time in the water. So, of course, that was concerning,” said Gillispie.
The fire marshal’s office is coordinating with Tennessee Valley Authority engineers and Appalachian Electric Cooperative to determine the cause of the shocks. No serious injuries were reported, but SFMO is still urging caution until the cause can be determined.
Tests Thursday showed the voltage was not enough to cause bodily injury, but could lead to discomfort.
A TVA representative told state officials they were called by a homeowner who said three different people felt the shocks, which she described as “like touching an electric fence.”
Electricians checked the caller’s and two other people’s service and even cut off electric service to the dock, but that didn’t stop the problem.
Neighbors like Gillispie are waiting to hear what’s causing the shocks before getting back in the water.
“I don’t think I’ll get into the water until I hear a little bit more about what’s going on,” said Gillispie.
Investigators are meeting with engineers from TVA and Appalachian Electric Cooperative on Thursday.
To report an electrical shock, call the SFMO’s Nashville office at (615) 741-7170.
