Fallen power lines add an extra element of danger to already hazardous conditions after a storm.
Power lines that crisscross the U.S. bring electricity into our homes and businesses, but extreme weather can bring those lines down and plunge potentially millions of utility customers into darkness for extended periods of time.
From hurricanes and tropical storms to tornadoes, ice storms and windstorms, downed power lines add another element of danger to areas hit hard by disasters.
Here’s what you should do if you come across fallen or damaged power lines.
Why you should stay away from downed power lines
Downed power lines block a major road following the passing of hurricane Laura in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Aug. 27, 2020.
(ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP / Getty Images)
According to guidance from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), people should always assume that any downed power lines are still energized and should stay far away for safety.
“When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out throughout the ground, similar to when a pebble hits the water,” safety guidance from Austin Energy reads. “You can be shocked when in the area of a downed power line.”
The minimum safe distance from a fallen electrical wire is 35 feet, according to Austin Energy.
That’s about the length of a school bus.
Also, make sure you keep your family and pets away from downed power lines, too.
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Why you shouldn’t touch downed power lines
Richard and Hope Leboeuf look at downed power lines in front of their home in Houma, Louisiana, after Hurricane Gustav moved inland, Monday, September 1, 2008. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Anything touching a downed power line – trees, vehicles, fences, pipes, playground equipment – can be electrified.
If you touch the object, you could be shocked.
According to CenterPoint Energy, this includes people who have come into contact with the live wire.
“You can’t help if you become a victim,” the guidance reads. “Call 911.”
PG&E also advises people not to use objects, such as a stick, broom or pole, to touch the line.
“Rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes will not protect you from electrocution,” the guidance from Austin Energy reads.
Even puddles near the downed lines can be energized, according to Centerpoint Energy.
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Power lines and vehicles
An electric pole and power lines draped on and around vehicles.
(Elvis Tello via Storyful / FOX Weather)
According to PG&E, motorists should stay in their vehicles if a power line falls and there is no fire.
The ground around the vehicle may be energized and will shock you if you step on the ground.
“Sound the horn, roll down your window and call for help,” PG&E guidance reads. “Warn others to stay away.”
Drivers should call 911 and wait for emergency workers to say it’s safe to exit the vehicle.
If the vehicle catches fire or starts to smoke, PG&E advises people to remove loose items of clothing before leaping as far away from the car as possible.
Once you’re out of the vehicle, keep both feet together and shuffle away from the car. Don’t pick up your feet.
According to Austin Energy, drivers who are forced to abandon their vehicle should never touch the car and ground at the same time.
If you find someone trapped in a vehicle by a downed power line, call 911 immediately.
Call for help
Utility crews are seen next to downed power lines and downed utility pole in Lyndonvolle, Vermont, after catastrophic flooding on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
(Katie Byrne / FOX Weather)
Downed power lines should be reported to the power company in the area.
If there is an emergency because of the fallen electrical wire, call 911.