WHEN POWER LINES COME DOWN
DOWNED LINE - STAY AWAY
A variety of conditions or scenarios can result in a downed power line. Sometimes downed lines are visible while other times they are hidden by ice, snow, branches or storm debris.
Collisions with a pole or padmount transformer can cause the ground and objects to become energized. Regardless of the cause, always consider a downed line or damaged equipment energized and deadly.
If you are in a car accident involving a downed line, stay in the cab or car and wait until someone from the electric utility says it is safe to get out.
Call 9-1-1 to report a downed or damaged power line. Stay away and alert others to do the same.
Remember, if there is a downed line, stay away! Electricity can jump from a wire or object to you to find the quickest path to ground.
CAR ACCIDENT - STAY WHERE YOU ARE
You’ve just been in an accident involving a downed power line. Your first instinct might be to get out and run, but that could cost you your life. In most cases, the safest place to be is inside your car or truck. Wait there until electric utility workers deenergize the power. If your car is on fire or you see smoke, escape as safely as possible by making a clean, solid jump out and hop away with both feet together as far as you can. Warn others not to approach the scene.
If you see a downed or damaged power line or pole or a dislodged electrical cabinet:
■ Do not go near it.
■ Do not touch it.
■ Do not try to move it with another object.
■ Do not touch items that could be energized.
DID YOU KNOW
■ That downed power lines are extremely dangerous and even deadly?
■ That the current could spread throughout the ground and anything touching the ground?
■ That stray voltage spreads like ripples on a pond?
■ That if you step from one “ripple” (voltage) to another you could be electrocuted?
■ That downed lines could be hiding under standing water, ice or debris?
■ That if you are in an auto accident involving downed lines, that in most cases, your vehicle is the safest place to be?
