Power Line Safety

 Summer time can often bring storms with high winds that bring the danger of downed power lines. Power lines can be energized even if they don’t show signs of arcing or sparking. To stay safe, assume all downed lines are energized power lines. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines since energy can “jump” from a line to anyone who gets too close. Downed power lines pose additional dangers. The following tips can help you stay safe around downed power lines:

• If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it.
• The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the chance for a human path of electric current and minimize the hazards of electric shock. Electricity can move from a high-voltage zone to a low-voltage zone, and it could do that through your body.
• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed power line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call for help immediately!
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electro cute you.
• Be careful not to put your feet or hands near water where a downed power line is locate.
• If you are in your care and it is in contact with the downed power line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
• If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together to avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you reduce the risk of becoming part of the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffling away from the car is also important.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.

     Back