Downed Power Line Safety Tips

Call 911 immediately if you see a downed power line.

Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. A high‑voltage line carries enough electricity to cause serious, even fatal injury. That’s why it’s critical to know what to do if a power line goes down during severe weather or an accident. Your actions can be the difference between life and death. If you come across a low or fallen power line, follow these safety guidelines.

Know What to Look For:

• Always assume any power line is energized and deadly. If you see wires or cables on the ground after a storm or during an emergency, do not touch them. Stay Away and Call 911.
• After severe weather moves through, you may want to check for damage. But if you see a downed or sagging line, resist the urge to investigate.
• Keep a safe distance and call 911 immediately.

Stay 100 Feet Away:

When a live wire touches the ground, electricity spreads outward through the area. To avoid being shocked:

• Stay at least 100 feet away or about the length of two semitrucks.
• Increase your distance if the ground is wet, snowy, or icy, since moisture conducts electricity.

Assume All Downed Lines Are Live:

• You cannot determine whether a power line is energized just by looking at it. Assume it’s live even if it is not sparking, smoking, buzzing, or moving.

Don’t Touch Anything Near a Downed Power Line:

• If you find yourself near a fallen line, do not touch anything in contact with it, including trees, branches, fences, ladders, cars, water, or debris.
• The only thing you should touch in this situation is your cellphone to call 911.

Shuffle (Don’t Walk) Away:

If you need to move away from a downed power line:

• Shuffle, keeping both feet in contact with the ground.
• Do not lift your feet or run.
• Once you are a safe distance away, call 911.

Protect Children and Pets:

• After severe weather, ensure you know where children and pets are. Keep them well away from fallen lines, backyards, parks, and standing water.

If a Line Falls on Your Car:

• Stay inside and call 911 unless the car becomes unsafe.
• If you must exit, avoid touching the vehicle and ground at the same time.
• Jump clear and land with both feet together.
• Shuffle away at least 100 feet.

First Responders:

• Utility crews work to de‑energize lines quickly to protect emergency personnel and the public. Calling 911 immediately helps responders know the location of the hazard.