Safety Tip Tuesday - Down Line Safety, Preaching to the Choir?

This month, we are sharing messages with the public about downed power line safety, and it’s always good to make sure we at PUD 3 are on the same page. Take a moment to review the “Danger Call Script” for what to tell folks if they ask (if you can’t find your script card, we have plenty more).

One thing we like to tell people is this: The scene of a downed power line isn’t always like a scene in the movies with lines flailing and arcing and scattering sparks. Quite often, it isn’t obvious if a power line is live and dangerous because it’s just lying still on the ground. No matter how it looks, always respond to a downed line the same way:

1. Stay Away

If you come across a downed power line, your first action should be to keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet, or more than the length of three school buses. Always assume that the line is energized, regardless of its appearance. Especially with wet conditions, the electricity can travel through the ground – you don’t have to even touch a power line to be electrocuted by it.

Here is a video of a down power line where the fence becomes energized even though the line doesn’t appear to be making direct contact.

2. Don’t Touch

Under no circumstances should you touch a downed power line or any object it's in contact with, like trees, fences, or vehicles. The electricity can flow through these objects and pose a serious risk to anyone in contact with them. Even if the line appears de-energized or you aren’t sure if it’s really a power line, always assume it is an active power line and avoid any contact with it.

3. Call for Help

Call 911. You can also contact your local utility company, but if it’s a downed line it could be a serious safety issue, so 911 is OK. Don’t assume that someone else has already reported the incident – we would much rather get multiple calls about the same line than never get a call and someone ends up getting hurt.

4. Stay In Your Car

If you happen to be in a vehicle that makes contact with a downed power line, do not attempt to exit the vehicle. Your car should protect you from electric shock, but only if you stay inside and call for help. Wait for qualified professionals to tell you when it is safe to get out or drive forward.

5. Safely Exit

If there is an emergency where you must leave your vehicle, such as a vehicle fire, follow the proper safety measures to avoid electrical shock. Remember: Electricity is always trying to get to the ground and you don’t want to provide a pathway for it to do that. Jump clear of the vehicle without touching any metal parts and land with your feet together. Shuffle away from the area, keeping your feet together.

6. Inform Others

If you can do so without endangering yourself, inform others in the vicinity about the downed power line. Alerting them to the potential danger can prevent accidents and further injuries.

We encourage both our staff and the public to share this information with friends and family to help us create a safer community.