Beware of Downed Power Lines
A tragic story out of Portland this month reminded us how dangerous downed power lines can be. A family was in a weather-related accident, and a power line fell onto their car. They got out of the car and were all killed, except for an infant still safe in its father’s arms and rescued by a brave passerby.
From Safe Electricity, here is what can occur when utility equipment is damaged:
- Step potential happens when a person walks from 1 voltage “ripple” to another, and their feet experience a difference in voltage.
- Touch potential happens when someone touches something at 1 voltage and steps on or contacts something else at a different voltage.
Both types of potential can cause serious internal and external injuries and death since electric current enters the body at 1 point and exits at another.
To stay safe around damaged utility equipment:
- Stay inside your vehicle or cab.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Report damaged power equipment to a dispatcher.
- Only exit if you see smoke or there is a fire.
If you must exit due to a fire, carefully do the following:
- Cross your arms and make a clean jump out.
- Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Make solid hops with your feet together as far away as you can.
- If you are unable to hop, shuffle away without lifting your feet.
- Do not return to the vehicle.
If you are near the scene:
- Do not approach the scene to help.
- Stay at least 50 feet away.
- Do not lean on or touch anything.
Never approach a downed power line or pole or a damaged pad mount transformer.