Stay Safe When a Power Line Is Down

May 09, 2023

Be aware of hazards presented by downed power lines. Your life or the life of someone else depends on it.

Never touch anything or anyone in contact with a power line. You could be shocked by contact with the line or a secondary object or person.

When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out through the ground, similar to when a pebble hits water. You could be shocked when in the area of a downed power line. The minimum safe distance from a downed power line is 35 feet.

Call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 to report the location of the line.

If a broken power line falls on your vehicle and you cannot safely drive away:

Consider all wires energized and dangerous. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed lines. Electricity can travel through the ground, fences, hoses, and playscapes. Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. 512-322-9100 Never use any object to move a downed wire. Rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes will not protect you from electrocution. Do not try to rescue someone who makes contact with a downed power line. 9-1-1 512-322-9100 Call 9-1-1 immediately. Warn others not to touch the vehicle. 9-1-1 Do not leave the vehicle unless it becomes unsafe due to immediate dangers, such as fire or smoke. If you must leave the vehicle because of fire or other danger, jump as far away from the vehicle as possible. Land with both feet on the ground at the same time. Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. After exiting the vehicle, keep your feet together and "hop" away. Don't run! Never lift a foot. 9-1-1 512-322-9100 not

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