Stay in your vehicle if power lines are down

Following an accident or storm that drops power lines around your car (or a power pole or green transformer box):

• Stay inside car until power is shut off; the ground outside may be energized.
• Do not drive over wires; they may be live with high-voltage electricity.
• Call 911 and keep others away until help arrives.
• If you must exit the vehicle, jump clear so no part of your body touches the car when you land.
• Keep both feet together and shuffle or hop at least 40 feet away. Keeping feet together and on the ground minimizes the chance for electrocution.

Always assume the ground and power lines are energized and dangerous.

Read more on our License to Live webpage.