Avoid touching or approaching a fallen power line

Downed power lines are dangerous. Never touch them. For safety’s sake, always assume that a fallen power line is live, and follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid touching the downed line with your hand or an object, such as a stick, broom or pole.
  • Avoid touching anything, such as a car, object or equipment, or anyone who is in contact with a fallen power line.
  • Keep children and pets away from fallen electric lines.
  • Avoid driving over a fallen power line.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately to report a fallen power line.

 

Stay safe if a fallen power line touches your car

If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line, follow these safety rules:

  • Stay inside your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
  • Sound the horn, roll down your window and call for help.
  • Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around your car can be injured.
  • Use your mobile phone to call 9-1-1.
  • Wait until the fire department, police or PG&E workers tell you it’s safe to get out of your car before exiting the vehicle.

 

If your car is in contact with a fallen power line and a fire starts, follow these guidelines when exiting your vehicle:

  • Remove loose items of clothing.
  • Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle, so you are not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
  • Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.

Follow these safety tips when using balloons and toys around power lines

  • Ensure that helium-filled metallic balloons are tied to weights heavy enough to prevent them from floating into power lines.
  • Use metallic balloons, kites and remote-control toys away from overhead electric lines to avoid the potential for power outages, fires and serious injuries.
  • Contact PG&E immediately at 1-800-743-5000 if a balloon or toy is caught in a power line. Never attempt to retrieve an object that is on or near a power line.

 

Look up and live

Remember these important safety tips for overhead power lines:

  • Look up before lifting ladders and other long-handled tools to avoid accidental contact with electric lines.
  • Stay away from fallen or dangling power lines. Don’t touch the lines. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Contact us at 1-800-743-5000 to report tree branches or limbs near power lines. Our tree-trimming crews are qualified to work around high-voltage lines, and can cut the limbs for you. Never attempt to do the trimming, yourself.