Downright Dangerous: Downed Power Line Safety

At REC, the safety of our employees and member-owners is always our top priority. 

“When a storm hits, our crews are ready to respond to make repairs and restore service as quickly and safely as possible,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations. “We urge the community to keep their families safe after a storm by keeping the following tips in mind.” 

• If you see a downed power line, move at least 35 feet away from the line and anything touching it. 
• The human body is a ready conductor of electricity. The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone and it could do that through your body. 
• If you see someone who is in contact with a downed line, do not touch the person – you could become the next victim. Call 911 and REC at 800-552-3904 immediately. Even if you have a non-metal object nearby, do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line. Even these non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you. 
• Don’t drive over downed power lines. If a power line comes down on your car, or you didn’t see the line until driving into it, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away from your vehicle. If you must leave your car, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together, avoiding contact with the car and ground at the same time. Keep your feet together and shuffle away from the car. 

For more storm safety tips, visit: https://myrec.coop/storm-safety.