By Staff
Without it our world would be quite dark.
All of the benefits of electricity are wonderful, but so much power also carries risks.
When storms bring down power lines, along with tree branches, you must assume the line is live and dangerous and even the branches could carry power. So stay at least 10 feet away.
On finding a power line on the ground, the best plan is to first call 911.
When a live wire is touching the ground, electricity can travel through the ground and radiate outward.
If you try to remove a tree branch which is resting on a power line, the electricity can travel through the line through the tree limb. This is true especially if the branches are wet or covered with ice.
If you are caught in a storm and a power line falls on your vehicle, it is safer to stay inside, unless you are in danger from fire.
If you have a cell phone, call for help. Don't let another person touch your vehicle.
If you must get out, jump clear without touching the car yourself. Keep both feet on the ground and shuffle. Experts recommend you don't run, as electricity forms rings which have different voltages and you just may cause your legs to be a bridge between two rings.
You are also not to drive over or walk over a power line.
Taking time to be safe is much preferred to having current run through your body and possibly stop your heart.