Severe storms, vehicle accidents, and fallen trees can bring down power lines without warning. When that happens, knowing what to do can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
A downed power line may not look dangerous, but appearances can be deceiving. Electricity can travel through the wire, nearby objects, and even the ground surrounding the line. That’s why utility professionals urge everyone to treat every downed power line as energized and stay at least 35 feet away.
The danger isn’t limited to the wire itself. Trees, fences, vehicles, and other objects in contact with a downed line can also become energized. If you encounter a downed line, keep children and pets away, call 911, and contact your electric utility. Never attempt to move the line or anything touching it, even with a stick or other tool.
What to remember
If you see a downed power line:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay at least 35 feet away.
- Never touch or try to move the line.
- Keep others, including pets, away from the area.
- Report the hazard to your electric utility.
When a vehicle is involved
One of the most dangerous situations occurs when a power line falls onto a vehicle. A person’s first instinct may be to get out, but that could be the worst thing to do.
If a downed line is touching your car, remain inside if it is safe to do so. The vehicle may be energized, and stepping out could create a path for electricity to travel through your body. Emergency responders and utility crews are trained to handle these situations safely, so stay put and call 911.
There is one exception: if the vehicle is on fire or there is another immediate threat to your safety.
If you must exit your vehicle
Follow these steps:
- Avoid touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together.
- Once clear, shuffle or hop away while keeping your feet together.
- Continue until you are at least 35 feet away.
Why shuffle?
Many people are surprised to learn that electricity can spread through the ground around a downed power line. Taking normal steps can place one foot in a higher-voltage area than the other, creating a path for electricity to flow through your body.
Keeping both feet together and shuffling away helps reduce that risk. It may feel awkward, but that simple action could save your life.
Bottom line
You can’t tell whether a downed power line is energized just by looking at it. The safest approach is to assume every downed line is live, keep your distance and call for help.
Remember: If lines are down, don’t hang around. Stay back, stay safe, and let trained professionals handle the situation.