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Staying Safe Around Downed Power Lines
Weather and car accidents are the main causes of downed power lines. Always stay away and warn others to stay clear of power lines. Even if they don’t hum, spark or “dance,” downed lines can be dangerous—they can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death.
Follow these rules:
- 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 away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times to minimize the chance for a human path of electric current.
- If someone is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. Call 911 instead.
- Don’t try to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick.
- Don’t drive over downed power lines.
- If you are in your car and it is in contact with a downed line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help but tell others to stay away from your vehicle. Call 911 if you have a cell phone or ask passersby to do it.
This information is provided as a general reference only and is subject to change without notice.
