Downed Power Lines

S a f e t y  I s  O u r  # 1  P r i o r i t y !

Downed Power Lines - What you need to know to stay safe

How To Stay Safe

Take precautions near downed power lines, poles or other damaged power equipment. Always assume damaged power equipment is energized; it can look lifeless and harmless and still be live.

Besides accidents, storms and animal interferences, another hazardous situation may occur when equipment or extensions get too close to or contact power equipment.

How to stay safe:

  • Stay inside your vehicle or cab.

  • Call 9-1-1.

  • Report damaged power equipment to a dispatcher.
  • Only exit if you see smoke or there is a fire.

 

If you must exit due to a fire, carefully do the following:

  • Cross your arms and make a clean jump out.
  • Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
  • Make solid hops with your feet together as far away as you can.
  • If you are unable to hop, shuffle away without lifting your feet.
  • Do not return to the vehicle.

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If you are near the scene:

  • Do not approach the scene to help.
  • Stay at least 50 feet away.
  • Do not lean on or touch anything.

 

Here is what can occur when utility equipment is damaged:

Both types of potential can cause serious internal and external injuries and death, since electric current enters the body at one point and exits at another.

Hand Touching

Touch Potential

when someone touches something at one voltage and steps on or contacts something else at a different voltage.
Man walking

Step Potential

when a person walks from one voltage “ripple” to another and their feet experience a difference in voltage.