Bookmark & ShareDown Power Lines
Down Power Line: Is It Safe? Be safe when clearing debris
Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. Keep in mind that high voltages can be transmitted through materials other than just power lines. A wooden pole, a kite, cable or other normally non-conducting material may carry an electrical current if it becomes wet or soggy.
Consider any downed power line to be energized. Never touch or attempt to move a downed power line or a person who is in contact with a power line
Keep children and pets away from areas where power lines may have fallen
Don’t drive over downed power lines
If a downed line is near water, keep a safe distance from the line and the water, even if it is a small puddle
If a power line falls over your car, stay in the car. If you must leave the car because of immediate danger, jump free of the car, making sure that no part of your body is touching the car when you come in contact with the ground
Be careful not to stand under tree limbs or power lines. Tree limbs can become weakened during a storm but not fall until several hours or even days after the storm. The same can be true for power lines or poles that sustain damage
After a storm, look before cutting fallen branches. Check for lines wrapped up in trees or brush
When a power line is touching a metal fence, consider the entire fence energized and stay away