If You Hit a Power LineLook Up Home< Back

If there is no immediate danger, take these steps:

  • Move the equipment away from the line if you can do so safely.
  • Have someone call 911 and the electric utility right away.
  • Stay on the equipment until rescue workers say it is safe to get off.
  • Warn others away. When equipment hits a line, workers standing on the ground are in the greatest danger.

If you MUST get off the equipment due to fire or other danger, jump clear.
Land far enough away from the equipment that you don’t touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle away, keeping your feet together and on the ground.

 

If your equipment touches a power line, wait on the equipment until rescue workers arrive. If you must get off, jump clear without touching the equipment and the ground at the same time, and shuffle away.

Equipment hits power line

DID YOU KNOW?

Even after you've jumped from equipment with a power line on it, the danger may not be over. Electricity can spread out through the ground in all directions from any downed line. The voltage drops as you move away from the point of contact. However, if you touch a high-voltage and a low-voltage zone at the same time (which can happen if you take big steps or run), electricity can travel up one leg and down the other, and you can be shocked. This is why you should shuffle away from the line, keeping your feet close together and on the ground.