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Stay away from downed power lines!
Major storms always present risks, one of the greatest dangers being downed power
lines.
 CVPS urges
all customers – residential and commercial – to discuss the dangers of downed power
lines BEFORE the next big storm hits. Business owners are urged to discuss the issue
during staff meetings or include information in employee newsletters, and residential
customer should review these risks, and how to avoid them. Parents should talk directly
with their children about the dangers of downed power lines.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the big February snow and wind storm, but it highlighted
the risks. Across Vermont, well over 100,000 electric customers lost service, and
thousands of power lines were knocked down by snow, wind and trees. Many of them
remained live until utility crews could safely respond.
Here are some tips to keep you, your family or your employees safe from downed lines:
- Don't touch or even go near downed wires! These wires can be energized
and can cause serious injuries or death. Stay at least 50 feet away from the line
or anything it contacts, and keep, bystanders, children, pets and livestock away
as well.
- Call your local fire department, then call CVPS at 800-451-2877.
- Assume anything touching the power line is also energized.
- If a power line lands on your vehicle, stay inside until help arrives
– unless there is a fire. If you must leave the vehicle, jump clear of it so you
do not touch the ground and vehicle at the same time, then shuffle away, keeping
both feet in contact with the ground at all times.
- Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility lines! Notify
CVPS of the situation and we will take care of it.
- Stay away from flood areas and downed trees, as they may hide a
downed line and conduct electricity.
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