Stay safe around downed power lines

If you see a power line on the ground or hanging lower than normal:

1. Don't go near the wire, the pole or anything the wire is touching. Always assume a downed wire is carrying electricity, which can severely injure or kill you.
2. Call us immediately through our Outage Reporting Line, 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) and select the option to report a downed power line. (Note: please use this option only if you actually see a downed wire. Do not assume that because your power is out there must be a wire down somewhere. )
3. Warn others to stay away until help arrives. Keep pets away, too.

• If a downed line is near water - even a small puddle - keep well away.
• Be careful not to stand under damaged tree limbs or power lines. Tree limbs can become weakened during a storm but not fall until several hours or days later. The same can be true for damaged power lines or poles.
• Don't drive over downed power lines.

Downed power lines that come in contact with a vehicle create a dangerous situation. Generally, if a power line falls over your car, the safest thing to do is stay put. If you have a cellular phone, call us or the local police or fire department to report your situation.

If passers-by are near, honk your horn, lower your window, and alert them of your situation. Warn them to stay away and not to touch the vehicle. If you don't have a cell phone with you, ask them to report the problem to the electric company or the local emergency department.

Leave the vehicle only if threatened by fire or other immediate danger. In getting out, you must jump clear of the vehicle to minimize the chance of injury or death from electric shock:

1. Leave handbags, belts, jewelry, and loose clothing items that could snag on the vehicle when you jump.
2. Exit the vehicle as far from the wire as possible and jump as far from the vehicle as you can; as you do, be sure not to hold onto the door or any other part of the vehicle.
3. Land with both feet together, then shuffle away with both feet on the ground for at least 20 feet before beginning to walk normally.

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