Downed Power Lines

Downed Power Lines

  • If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and from anything touching it. The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away: take small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times to minimize the chance for a human path of electric current. To Report a Power Outage , visit www.sce.com or call 800-611-1911.
  • If someone is in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, do not touch the person. Call 911 instead.
  • If you are in your car and it is in contact with a downed line, stay in your car. Honk your horn and summon passerby’s for help – but tell others to stay away from the vehicle. Call 911 if you have a cell phone. 
  • Never touch a power line – even one that is on the ground. Consider even downed wires to be charged with electrical current or “live”. If you see a downed power line, call 911. 
  • Do not try to move a downed power line or anything in contact with it by using another object such as a branch, stick or broom.
  • Do not drive over downed lines. 
  • Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety because debris may hide downed lines during a wind or rain storm. 
  • Water conducts electricity, so don’t touch or step in water near a downed wire.