FirstEnergy Using Helicopters to Survey Power Lines

FirstEnergy has notified area officials that helicopters will be flying low throughout the Hillcrest area for a couple weeks as they look at power lines.

"They have the helicopters that are black and unmarked," said Mayor Gregory Costabile. "They are out to survey the area. They have to see what needs to be done with power lines and trees and that's how [they] gauge the area."

Costabile said appreciated that the city was notified in case residents call about the helicopters. He added that this is the type of situation in which residents could be notified by a reverse 911 system.

"We're still trying to pursue reverse 911. I hope to have it up and running in the next 30 days. This is another good example of how it can be used," he said.

Todd Schneider, FirstEnergy spokesman, said work will likely wrap up early – perhaps this week. He said the survey of vegetation around power lines is done annually to ensure proper clearance.