Stay Where You Are

You've just been in an accident involving a downed power line. Your first instinct m ight be to get out and run, but that could cost you your life. In most cases, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Wait until electric utility workers de-energize the power. If your car is on fire or you see smoke, escape as safely as possible by jumping out without touching the vehicle and hopping away with both feet together as far as you can. Warn others not to approach the scene.

You Should Know:

• Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and even deadly.
• Electric current can travel through the ground and anything touching the ground.
• Stray voltage spreads like ripples on a pond.
• If you step from one "ripple" (voltage) to another, you could be electrocuted.
• Downed lines could be hiding under standing water, ice, or debris.