Overhead electrical lines are insulated to protect against the weather, but they are not insulated to prevent grounding if touched. Anything that comes into contact with a power line and touches the ground should be considered deadly.
Respect the Lines
Treat every power line as if it were actively conducting electricity and dangerous. Keep all objects away from power lines, including ladders, kites, antennas, toys or any other item that could be used to touch a power line.
Do Not Move the Lines
Never attempt to raise or move the lines. Call the electric company or city utility department if lines need to be relocated.
Leave Downed Lines Alone
Stay away from lines that are on the ground. Whether they have been downed by a storm, a falling tree limb, wind or other accident, always assume the downed line is live. Call 911 or the electric utility company to report the downed line.
Don't Touch
Do not touch anything that is touching a power line as it could conduct the electricity and cause shock or death. Do not climb trees that are touching power lines as they can conduct electricity. If someone else is shocked, do not touch them.
Power Lines and Cars
Stay in the car if a power line is downed and touches it. Getting out might allow the electricity to ground from the car through you. Call 911 or signal others to call 911. If someone else is in a car with a power line touching it, call 911. Do not touch the car or try to rescue the person inside as you could be electrocuted.
Underground Lines
Call the electric company or local utility before digging to make sure there are no underground power lines that could be hit, causing damage to the line and injury or death for the digger.
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