Learn the Steps of Power Line Safety: Stop. Observe. Survive.
Downed power lines are 1 of the most dangerous—and most misunderstood—hazards you can encounter. A line can look completely dead and still carry enough electricity to kill you. There’s no way to tell if a line is active by looking.
If you ever encounter a downed line, remember 3 words: Stop. Observe. Survive.
Stop
Assume every downed line is energized, even 1 that isn’t sparking or making noise. Stay at least 50 feet away—about the length of a semitrailer—from downed distribution lines and at least 100 feet away from downed transmission lines.
Keep that distance from anything the lines could be touching, too, such as fences, puddles, vehicles, and trees. The same rules apply to farming and construction equipment that contacts overhead lines.
Observe
A downed line energizes everything around it. Electricity travels through the ground, through water, and along metal objects, such as fences and gutters.
Carefully observe the area and keep others—including children and pets—well back. Warn drivers and pedestrians to stay away, too.
Survive
Call 911 immediately, then call Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) at (530) 257-4174 to report the location. Never approach, touch, or attempt to move a downed line under any circumstances, not even with a stick or broom.
If you see someone in contact with a downed line, do not touch them. You could become a victim too. Call 911 immediately.
Never:
- Touch a downed line—even with a wooden object or rope
- Drive over a downed line
- Step in water near a downed line
- Touch a person in contact with a line. Call 911.
- Assume a line is safe because it looks dark or quiet.
- Treat cable or phone wires differently. Assume all downed wires are dangerous.
If a line falls on your vehicle:
- Try to drive clear of the line if you can do so safely.
- If the vehicle can’t be moved, stay inside and call 911. Warn others to stay at least 50 feet away.
- If you must exit the vehicle due to fire or imminent danger, cross your arms tightly to your chest, and jump clear so you don’t touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Hop away with both feet landing together like a bunny, or shuffle like a penguin without lifting your feet or spreading them apart. The farther away you can get, the safer you will be. Do not return to the vehicle.
We’re already on our way. When a line comes down, LMUD crews respond no matter the time of day. Report outages and downed power lines anytime at (530) 257-4174. You can view a map of active outages on our website at lmud.org and by clicking on the Outage Center button on the home page.