Avoid Downed Power Line Danger After a Storm

After a storm, many think the dangers have gone when the snow or Ice stops falling—but sometimes danger can come during the storm recovery period. Keeping your distance from downed power lines, and knowing what to do if you see one, are the first steps when recovering from a storm safely. If you see a downed power line, which could be making contact with tree limbs, vehicles and puddles, always stay clear about 50 feet. There is no way of knowing whether or not the powerline is still live, and if you happen to touch one that is, consequences could be deadly. Powerlines can carry high voltage electricity and fatalities can occur when someone comes in contact with a live wire. If you see that someone has already made contact with a power line, do not try to rescue him/her. You can’t help if you become a victim. Immediately call 911 for assistance, and then contact your local electric utility to turn off the power. During the storm recovery process, downed power lines are a threat to the area around them.

Here are some helpful safety tips to help you stay safe around downed power lines:

  • If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. Keep a distance of about 50 feet, as the ground around downed power lines may be energized.
  • Assume ALL downed power lines are live.
  • If you see someone in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, DO NOT touch him/her. You could become energized as well. Call 911 for assistance.
  • NEVER attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick.
  • Don’t step in water near downed lines.
  • Never drive over a downed power line.
  • If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line while you are in it, stay inside the car. Call 911 or honk your horn to get help, but tell those rendering aid to stay away from the vehicle.
  • If you must exit the vehicle for life-threatening reasons, jump out and away from it, making sure to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle away with your feet touching until you reach a safe distance. NEVER attempt to get back into a vehicle that is in contact with a power line.