Downed Power Lines
If you want to survive, assume it’s live
Never ever touch or go near a downed power line!
When linemen work on electrical equipment, they never assume a power line is dead — even if it’s down, or even during a power outage. They can’t tell by looking at it, and neither can you. Testing by professionals is the only way to verify if a line is energized or not.
Energized lines don’t necessarily spark or otherwise give warning. They can look completely dead. The bottom-line is if it’s not dead and you touch it, you will be dead (or severely injured).
If you see a downed power line:
DO
- DO notify the Co-op right away by calling 751-4449
- DO stay far away from it (10 feet or more)
- DO wait for our crews to arrive on scene
- ALWAYS treat power lines as if they are extremely hazardous
DO NOT
- DO NOT attempt to coil or clean up the downed wire
- DO NOT assume that when crew trucks pull up the line is de-energized
- DO NOT drive a vehicle across a downed power line
If you see a sparking power line:
- Call 911 immediately as this is an emergency situation
“Our motto is: IF YOU WANT TO SURVIVE, ASSUME IT’S LIVE. Never, ever touch a downed power line.”
