REPORTING DOWNED LINES AND TREES ON LINES
Treat every downed line like it is energized and stay a minimum of 25 feet from any downed wire, trees, or trees in lines. This applies while in a vehicle and/or driving as well.
If a line is down in the road, or across a vehicle you are in, call 911 immediately.
To report other downed lines and/or trees in lines:
- Call 1-888-485-2537 to speak to a representative or email [email protected]
- When possible, and if you can do so safely, please include the approximate location of the downed wire (service address, between main and state street, pole number, etc.).
- Please also include a description of the situation (e.g., a line down near the road, a tree on the line, or a service line across my driveway). If you are unable to leave your home because of a line down on or near your home, or blocking your driveway, please be sure to tell us!
Never touch the line or anything it touches, and warn others to stay away.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Assume it’s live: Even if it doesn’t appear to be sparking or humming, a downed power line could be energized.
- Stay at a safe distance: Keep a distance of at least 25 feet from the downed line and anything it touches, including trees, fences, or puddles.
- Keep others away: Warn people to stay away from the area and the downed line.
- Don’t touch: Never touch the downed line or anything in contact with it, even if it appears safe.
- Don’t drive over: Avoid driving over or parking near downed wires.
- Stay in your vehicle: If a downed wire lands on your vehicle, stay inside with your windows closed until help arrives.
- If you must exit: If you must exit the vehicle due to fire or other safety reasons, jump clear with both feet together, and shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times.
- Never use water: on a downed wire as water is a conductor of electricity.
- Don’t attempt to cut or remove a tree that is, or could become, entangled with power lines .
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS:
- Look up: Be aware of overhead power lines and avoid contact with them.
- Teach children: Teach children never to play around electric equipment and never to touch power lines.
- Be aware of step potential: Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of contact, creating large differences in voltages as you move away from the center.
- If you see someone in contact with a downed line: Do not touch the person. Call 911 for help.
