Downed Lines

Downed & Dangerous

Downed power lines can look relatively harmless, but don’t be fooled. They likely carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. These tips can help you stay safe around downed lines:

• If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it.
• The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high-voltage zone to a low-voltage one—and it could do that through your body.
• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even normally non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and electrocute you.
• Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed lines.
• If you are in a vehicle that is in contact with a downed line, stay in the vehicle. Call 911 or honk your horn to get help. Tell bystanders to stay away from the vehicle.
• If you must leave your vehicle because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid making contact with the energized vehicle and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the vehicle to the earth. Shuffle away with your feet touching until you reach a safe distance.

Navigating Electrical Hazards After an Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident, concerns often focus on injuries and vehicle damage. However, the risk of exposure to thousands of volts of electricity from downed power lines is a critical consideration. Exiting the vehicle in such a scenario could lead to electrocution, as the car may be charged with electricity. Loose wires and equipment near the vehicle create additional risks.

Stay Inside the Vehicle

After an accident involving a utility pole, the safest place to be is almost always inside the car. Even if power lines show signs of being live by arcing and sparking, it is not a reliable indicator. To ensure safety, stay inside the vehicle, and instruct others to do the same. Do not approach the accident scene, and warn others against doing so. Call 911 to notify emergency personnel and utility services.

Exiting the Vehicle Safely

The only circumstance when exiting the vehicle is necessary is if it is on fire, a rare occurrence. If such a situation arises, jump clear of the vehicle with your feet together, avoiding simultaneous contact with the vehicle and ground. Continue to “bunny hop” with your feet together to maintain a single point of contact and prevent different strengths of electric current, which can be deadly.

Important of Knowledge in Safety

In any accident involving power lines, knowledge becomes a powerful tool in ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Understanding the potential dangers and appropriate actions can significantly reduce the risk of harm.