Massachusetts is known for our erratic weather. This is the season when high winds and lightning can combine to wreak havoc in our area, especially if they cause trees to topple and electric lines to fall.
There are just three words to remember if you ever see a power line lying on the ground: Don’t touch it!
If you see a power line on the ground or anywhere else it does not belong, call 911!
To stay safe, follow these safety rules:
Never assume that a downed line is a cable television or telephone wire. Assume every wire is dangerous – it could save your life.
Do not drive over downed power lines.
Do not touch downed power lines or use any object – including brooms, boards, limbs or plastic to move them. Never step in water that is touching a downed wire.
Never touch a person in contact with a power line or an object that’s touching the wires. Do not touch a person who has been shocked by a power line.
Do not try to cut or remove a tree that is entangled with power lines.
If you are involved in an accident that results in a power line touching your car, do not get out of your car unless it is on fire. In case of a fire, jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Warn people to stay away form your car.
Do not approach a car that is touching power lines. Keep the victim in the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel to handle the situation.