An overhead power line can become damaged or fall due to a severe storm, car accident, public damage, or other reasons. If you see a downed power line, take these actions:
- Consider all power lines energized and deadly.
- Stay at least 50 feet away.
- Call 9-1-1 or the utility to report the downed line.
- Do not approach it or try to move it with another object.
- Do not get out of a vehicle or cab.
- Do not approach the scene.
- Warn others to stay away.
- Turn around and go another way.
Even if you do not see a downed line, realize one could be hidden by storm debris, water, snow, or ice.
Other Things to Know:
- Energized downed lines spread voltage through the ground or nearby objects.
- If you go near a downed line, you can become electricity’s path to the 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.
While transmitting and distributing power is typically safe, extreme scenarios like downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Never approach a downed power line.