If there is a DOWNED POWER LINE Think Before You Act
An overhead power line can become damaged or fall due to many reasons including a severe storm, car accident or public damage. If you see a downed power line, take these actions:
-
Consider all power lines energized and deadly.
-
Stay at least 50 feet away.
-
Call 911 or the utility to report the downed line.
-
Do not approach the line or try to move it with another object.
-
Do not get out of a vehicle or cab.
-
Warn others to stay away.
Turn around and go another way.
Other Things to Know
Even if you do not see a downed line, realize one could be hidden by storm debris, water, snow or ice.
-
Energized downed lines spread voltage through thr ground or nearby objects.
-
If you go near a downed line, you can become electricity's path to ground.
-
You cannot tell if a power line is live just by looking at it.
-
Even if a power line appears coated, it is never safe to go near it.