What to do if you come across downed power lines - NBC Connecticut
What to do if you come across downed power lines - NBC Connecticut
A strong storm has brought down dozens of power lines across the state on Monday. According to fire officials and places like Eversource and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), here's what you should do if you come across any downed power lines.
Always assume all electrical equipment and lines are energized. Even if a downed power line is not sparking or humming, it can electrocute you if you touch it or the ground nearby.
- Stay as far away as possible and call the power company or 911 immediately.
- Do not drive over the line.
- Do not attempt to move the line.
Eversource says broken power equipment can feed electricity directly into the ground and charge the earth beneath your feet. If you have one foot closer to the source of the charge than the other, you can be shocked.
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If you're in an accident with a car or other vehicle near a downed power line, stay in your vehicle.
- The power company or a first responder will say when it's safe to get out.
- It is okay to use your cell phone inside of the vehicle.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: electricity
Electricity is a secondary energy source: it is generated through the conversion of primary energy sources such as natural gas, coal, solar, hydropower, and wind. Electricity’s versatility is not cost-free: a substantial amount of energy is lost in its generation and the cost of storage is high, compared with fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The economics of battery technology hold the key to expanded use of renewable sources to generate electricity.