Like most people, you probably don't give much thought to power lines. They probably blend into the background when you look down a country road. The only time you may notice them is when they're suddenly on the ground.
Power lines can fall during strong winds. Trees and broken limbs can take power lines down with them when they fall. Many times, vehicle accidents can bring power lines to the ground. Just last summer, a semi took down an entire pole outside of Churubusco. Our crews had to wait for the truck to be lifted from the pole to make repairs, which extended the amount of time members were without power.
When you see a power line out of place, please remember never to touch it or even approach it. The best course of action is to steer clear and call 911 right away.
“The overhead power lines that run along the county roads carry 7,200 volts of electricity,” said Jared Boggs, safety coordinator of NREMC. “Fatalities can occur when someone contacts a live wire of only a couple hundred volts.”
Be sure to review the tips below to keep yourself safe in a situation with downed power lines:
- If you see a downed power line, move away from it. Keep a distance of 35 feet, as the ground around downed power lines may be energized. Call 911 for assistance.
- Don’t touch the downed power line or any object that is making contact with power lines, including using anything to try and move the lines.
- Do not touch any person who may be in direct or indirect contact with a downed line. You could become energized as well.
- Assume ALL downed power lines are live. They don’t have to be sparking or humming; they can be as quiet as usual.
- Don’t step in water near downed lines.
- Never drive over a downed power line.
