Downed Power Lines
When severe weather hits or an accident occurs, power
lines can come down. Remember to treat all downed wires
as live and dangerous! Keep in mind the potentially deadly
threat of downed electric wires and other safety hazards.
- If you see a downed power line, consider it energized
and dangerous. Stay clear and call us immediately at
(413) 781-4300, within the Springfield calling area,
or 877-OK-WMECO (877-659-6326), outside the Springfield calling area.
You may also want to call the local police or fire department
to alert them. They can divert traffic until our crew
arrives.
- Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and
do not touch anything that is on or near a power
line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars or ladders).
Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from downed
wires and anything they are in contact with, including
puddles of water and fences. A power line that touches
the ground can shock or kill you even if you do not touch
it. The electrical current can travel through the ground
and into your body.
- Keep children and family pets away from areas where
lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards,
etc.).
- Don't drive over downed power lines. Even if they
are not energized, the lines could get entangled in your
vehicle, causing further damage or injury.
- If a power line falls across a car that you're in,
stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a
fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do
your best to jump clear of the car. Be sure to land on
both feet, keeping them together. While constantly keeping
your feet in contact with each other, as well as the ground,
shuffle away, taking very small steps until you are safely
away from the vehicle and all downed wires.
- Be aware of lines that are down because a line that
is known to be dead can become re-energized.
- You may not be able to tell the difference between a
telephone line, television cable line or an electrical
line, so consider all of them as being energized, stay
away and call us.
- Before removing tree debris, carefully check the
debris and surrounding ground for downed wires. Look
overhead for dangling or low power lines.
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