Downed Power Lines

Electrical hazards multiply for workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts following major disasters and weather emergencies. Life-threatening danger exists around downed and low-hanging electrical wires which can still be energized following a storm.

Keep Away From Downed Power Lines

  • Always consider all electrical equipment, lines, and conductors to be energized.
  • If you notice downed wires or damaged electrical equipment, contact appropriate utility personnel if you can
  • Circuits do not always turn off when a power line falls into a tree or onto the ground
  • Re-Closers automatically try to reset circuits and restore power when it is interrupted
  • Even if electric lines are not sparking or humming, fallen electric lines can electrocute you if you touch them or the ground nearby
  • Keep a safe distance and immediately call 911 or the PUD Outage Hotline at (360) 537-3721 or (888) 542-5923

Energy

Downed wires can energize other nearby objects, such as:

  • Fences
  • Water pipes
  • Bushes and trees
  • Buildings
  • Telephone/CATV/fiber optic cables
  • Manhole castings
  • Reinforcement bars (rebar) in pavement
  • Wind-blown objects:
    • Canopies
    • Aluminum roofs
    • Siding
    • Sheds

Rules to Live By

Downed Power Lines are Dangerous!

Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line. Always assume downed lines are “live” even if they aren’t sparking. Keep a safe distance and immediately call 911 or the PUD Outage Hotline at (360) 537-371 or (888) 542-5923.

Do not assume that any wire is a harmless telephone, television, or fiber-optic cable, and does not carry lethal current, because they are very similar in appearance. Treat everything electrical as energized until tested and proven to be de-energized.

Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of contact. As you move away from the center, large differences in voltages can be created.

Never drive over downed power lines. Assume that they are energized.

If a power line falls across your vehicle while you are inside of it, do not get out. Wait for help to arrive.

If you must exit your car or any equipment because of fire or other safety reasons, try to jump completely clear, making sure that you do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle away in small steps to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock. Be careful to maintain your balance.