Power line safety lifelines

A split-second decision around downed power lines could mean life or death — know the steps to stay safe

The dangers of downed power lines became all too real when an Illinois man was apparently electrocuted and died June 29, 2020. He struck a utility pole with his car, got out and was exposed to live, stray voltage. This accident is not an isolated case; unfortunately, it can happen anywhere.

“Although your first instinct might be to get out and run when you see a downed power line, doing so could cost you your life,” says Erin Hollinshead, executive director of Safe Electricity.

Incidents with power lines or other electrical sources can break the electrical current’s usual path, making the ground, vehicles and anything else in its trajectory electrified.

“The only reason you should get out of a car, truck, tractor or other equipment is if it is on fire or you see or smell smoke. Otherwise stay put and call 9-1-1,” Hollinshead advises. “Knowing what to do in a situation like this can save your life.”

After telling the dispatcher where you are, be sure to report that there is a downed power line near or on your vehicle. The same safety know-how applies to other sources of electricity, including a pad-mounted transformer (“green box”), substation or other type of electrical equipment or cabinet.

Envision the downed line or other electrical source sending electrical current across the ground in a ripple-like effect. Each ring of the ripple represents a different voltage. If you step from one ring to another, this is called step potential and it can electrocute you.

Safe Electricity offers these safety tips; in all instances, call 9-1-1 and do not get out of the car or cab:

• If you are in a single-car incident with a downed power line;
• If there are several vehicles involved, even if your car is not the one that struck the pole;
• If it’s dark outside and you cannot tell if power lines are down;
• Your tractor or car strikes a guy wire (guy wires are the wires staked into the ground that stabilize utility poles). Under normal conditions, the guy wire is neutral, but if the wire is weakened, pulled out of the ground or otherwise damaged, it could become energized.

Only get out if:

• Your vehicle is on fire or you see or smell smoke.
• If that is the case, fold your arms across your chest and make a clean jump or hop from your car or truck (without touching it), and hop with your feet together at least 50 feet to safety.
• If you see an accident that involves a downed power line, do not approach the scene. Warn others to stay away.

For more tips on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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