What To Do About Downed Power Lines

The recent tornado in Moore, OK was destructive not only to schools, offices and homes, but also to many of the power lines in the area. Even as many families tried to return home to see what they could salvage, emergency workers kept them away because of the danger posed by the lines.

Would you know what to do if you saw a downed power line in your neighborhood? San Diego Gas & Electric offers the following safety tips:

Down or Broken Power Lines:
• Fallen electric lines are extremely dangerous. Report any downed lines to 911 and SDG&E immediately at 800-611-SDGE (7343).
• Stay clear of the line and do not touch it.
• Always assume that power lines are energized. If a person has come into contact with a power line, don’t touch the person or any equipment involved or nearby. The line may be still energized and could be extremely dangerous.
• Freeing a person or animal from energized power lines or equipment should only be attempted by a qualified electrical worker. 

If a Vehicle is Involved:
• Sit calmly until help arrives.
• Warn others not to touch the vehicle and direct them to call 911.
• If the vehicle is on fire and you must leave it, open the door or window and jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Do not allow yourself to become a path of electricity from the vehicle to the ground.
• Be careful not to fall back against the vehicle and to avoid any wires on the ground.

Overhead Electric Lines Safety Tips:
• If a Mylar balloon (metallic coated balloon), kite or any object becomes entangled in an overhead power line, call 911 or SDG&E. Do not remove anything caught in electric lines, not even an animal.
• When you are working around electric overhead lines, follow these rules:

• Watch where you are going.
• Stay clear of the power line and never touch it.
• Keep all machinery, equipment, and materials such as scaffolding tools, boat masts, fruit-picking poles, antennas, satellite dishes, pool skimmers handles, metal ladders, etc., and people at least 10 feet away from the lines. If it looks like the lines will be in your way, call SDG&E. Depending on the nature of your job, SDG&E might be able to turn off the electricity, cover the lines, or even move them temporarily while you complete your work.