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Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and sometimes deadly.  With one wrong move, a life can be lost. Know the right steps to take in the event contact is made with an overhead or downed power line. Treat all downed and hanging lines as if they are energized. 

  • If you see downed power lines, or other damaged electrical equipment, notify the local electric utility as soon as possible because the lines could still be live.
  • Just because power lines are damaged does not mean they are dead. Stay away, and instruct others to do the same.
  • Power lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live and dangerous.
  • Downed power lines, stray wires, and debris in contact with them all have the potential to deliver a fatal shock. Stay clear of fallen power lines and damaged areas that could hide a hazard. Be alert during clean-up efforts.
  • Treat all power lines as if they are energized until there is certainty that power has been disconnected. 
  • If a power line has landed on the ground, there is the potential for the area nearby to be energized. Stay far away and warn others to do the same.
  • Do not attempt to drive over a downed power line.
  • If you are driving and come along a downed power line, stay away and warn others to stay away. Contact emergency personal or your utility company to address the downed power line.
  • If power lines should fall on your vehicle while you are driving, do not attempt to drive away or get out. Call for help and stay inside until utility crews say it is safe to get out. The only exception would be if fire or other danger, like the smell of gasoline, is present. In that case, the proper action is to jump—not step—with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Jump clear. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.
  • Any power line that is dead could become energized at any moment due to power restoration or backup generators.

As in all power related emergencies, call 911 immediately!

Galloping Line Safety

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Know What's Overhead

It's important to know where power lines and other potential hazards are and should be a part of the planning process when working on any project. Remember if you're in over your head, don't just wing it, especially when it comes to working with electricity. Call a licensed professional. Click below for more safety tips when working around overhead lines.

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Tall Equipment Safety

Additional precautions need to be taken when operating large equipment in the vicinity of electrical lines and equipment. Not doing so puts the operator at risk as well as the safety of those nearby. Read more on recommended clearances, safety tips, and what to do if contact has been made.

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High-Flying Electrical Safety Tips

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Safety is the number one priority at Lane-Scott Electric

Take extra care when working near overhead power lines. Maintain a safe distance, be especially careful with extensions, and know what to do in the event contact is made with a power line.

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A: First, assess the situation. If your car is not smoking or on fire, stay in your vehicle.

If you are in an accident or incident involving electrical equipment, remain in your vehicle or cab until the local utility arrives to de-energize power. Stepping out of your vehicle while touching it at the same time or trying to walk or run to safety can cause serious burn injuries or death. 

If you are in a multiple-car accident, yell to others (from your car) to warn them not to leave their vehicle. Also warn those who might stop to help to not approach the scene. 

CALL 9-1-1 to report the accident location and clearly state to the dispatcher that electrical lines or equipment is involved.

A: Try to stay calm. Make a clear jump (without touching any part of the vehicle) and hop, shuffle or waddle like a penguin with both feet together at least 30 feet away to safety. Just like downed power lines, ANY damaged utility equipment such as pad-mounted transformers or cabinets that house electrical equipment can send electrical current through the pavement or ground.

DO NOT go near or touch electrical equipment or move a downed wire with your hand or an object. 

 

A: NO! Stay clear of all downed or damaged lines. Downed lines may very well still be energized if on the ground. There is misconception that downed wires are insulated to the touch or power is automatically cut once power line is down or damaged. Often times utility workers will have to physically shut power off to the lines for them to de-energize. 

A: Yes, there can be damage to a pad-mounted transformer or other equipment that cannot be seen. Even if metal boxes or cabinets look intact or appear to have minimal damage. Stay in your vehicle until the utility company has fully checked out the scene.

Journeyman Lineman, Dal Hawkinson, demonstrates a pole top rescue training drill. Our lineman train on pole-top rescue annually. If an accident were to occur and a fellow lineman needed rescuing, this is the drill that would be utilized to safely get them down.