Downed power lines
Touching a live power line can cause serious injury or death. You can't tell by looking whether a line is "hot" or not. Even if a downed line isn't actively sparking, always assume it is carrying electricity.
If you come upon a downed power line:
1) Don't go near the wire, or anything it is touching.
2) Warn others to stay away.
3) Call your local police or fire department, or call one of our toll-free, 24-hour emergency service numbers.
It's important to provide the exact location when reporting an electric emergency.
Please provide the following information:
- The nature of the emergency and whether personal injury or danger is involved
- The village or community
- The house number
- The street name
- The nearest cross street and direction (north, east, south or west) from the location
- The pole number
- The phone number or the nearest phone number at the location if available
- Is the emergency on the street or on private property? If on private property, please give the location (front, side or rear).
For fast, easy reporting of power outages, call:
1-888-LIGHTSS or 1-888-544-4877.
This automated system captures and records your information and helps our dispatchers quickly pinpoint where the power is out.
To report a downed power line via TDD service, call:
| Jersey Central Power & Light |
1-800-221-0479 |
| Metropolitan Edison |
1-800-522-2376 |
| Ohio Edison |
Call Ohio Relay Services |
| Penn Power |
PA Relay Service
1-800-654-5984 |
| Pennsylvania Electric |
1-800-522-2376 |
| The Illuminating Company |
Call Ohio Relay Services |
| Toledo Edison |
Call Ohio Relay Services |
For more emergency contacts, visit your state's Emergency Management Agency, with links to local Offices of Emergency Management:
When a fire involves electrical facilities, call FirstEnergy first! Our trouble workers will respond quickly to de-energize and make safe situations involving electric equipment. They have the expertise to decide what needs to be done and they have the tools to do it safely.
Other important safety tips to remember:
- If you're in an auto accident and power lines fall on your car, try to drive away from the lines. If your car is stuck, stay in the vehicle and warn others to stay away. Touching the ground and your vehicle at the same time could cause a severe, possibly fatal, shock.
- When hauling a boat, make sure it clears overhead power lines. And stay away from power lines when sailing.
- We strongly urge everyone to stay away from electric company equipment where warning signs are posted, such as a substation. Do not try to retrieve a ball or frisbee that has cleared the fence.
- Don't shoot at or otherwise damage insulators on utility poles. This is extremely dangerous and against the law. Insulators keep electricity from traveling down the pole. If an insulator is broken off or damaged, anyone coming in contact with the pole could be injured or killed.
Still need help?
Contact us with your questions.
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