Is a downed cable wire dangerous?

Any downed or fallen wire should be treated as live and dangerous, and you should stay away. Fallen power lines are dangerous because they carry an electric current that can cause serious or even fatal injuries.

What do you do with downed wires?

What to do in the event of Downed Power Lines (Video)

1. Assume the line is energized and stay as far away as you can.
2. Call 911 or the utility serving the location.
3. Do not drive over downed power lines.
4. Stay in your car.
5. If you must evacuate, jump away and land with both feet together.
6. Shuffle away to safety.

How dangerous are downed power lines?

In the aftermath of a major storm, be aware of hazards presented by downed power lines. Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death.

How do I report a downed wire?

Report electricity emergencies and hazards If you see an electricity hazard or a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres (33 feet, about the length of a school bus) away and call us at 1-866-436-7847 (24 hours) or 911 immediately.

Is it safe to touch a cable wire?

A: Cable and phone wires don’t carry current, so it’s safe to remove them. However, it’s critical not to cut into a power line, as you know.

Who do I call for a downed wire?

Never touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized. Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.

Who do I call for downed telephone wires?

To report down the phone line, you can contact PPL Electric Utilities and report it immediately to 1-800-342-5775 (1-800-DIAL-PPL). Just tell on the phone “downed power line.”. Always assume the downed cable line is energized and carrying electricity.

Who do I call about a downed wire?

What is a safe distance from downed power lines?

10 feet
Work at a safe distance The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that equipment be kept at least 10 feet away from power lines with voltages up to 50kV.

Can cable wires cause fire?

A coaxial cable doesn’t have enough voltage to cause a fire on its own. The only time a fire may occur is during a momentary surge in power, such as when a phone call first comes in. If the wire is damaged, it could then give off a small spark that could catch highly flammable materials nearby.

What should you do if you see a downed wire?

exists around downed and low-hanging electrical wires which can still be energized following a storm. Safety First Always consider all electrical equipment, lines and conductors to be energized. If you notice downed wires or damaged electrical equipment, contact appropriate utility personnel if you can. Circuits do not always turn off when a

Is it dangerous to go near a downed power line?

Downed power lines are often still energized. Because electricity may still be flowing through the lines, that makes them extremely dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away (at least two full pole spans) from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well.

What to do if there is a downed wire on Long Island?

Stay at least 300 feet away (at least two full pole spans) from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well. Call 911 or call PSEG Long Island immediately.

What can be energized by a downed electrical wire?

Even manhole covers and reinforcement bars in pavement can become energized by downed wires. During storms, wind-blown objects such as canopies, aluminum roofs, siding, sheds, etc., can also be energized by downed wires.