PORTLAND, Oregon — Over the past week, several rounds of winter weather brought ice and wind that knocked down power lines across the Portland metro area.
Downed power lines, even if they don't spark or hum, could still be live and potentially deadly. Here's a look at ways to stay safe if you encounter one.
What to do if you're in a car
If you're in a car and a live power line touches it, the safest thing to do is to stay inside the car and call 911.
"It is safe to stay in your vehicle. The rubber on your tires insulates you and it's going to save you," Rick Graves with Portland Fire & Rescue said earlier this week.
Portland General Electric (PGE) asks people to call them immediately to report any downed utility line (503-464-777 or 800-544-1795).
If anyone nearby appears to approach the car, warn them not to and stay as far away as possible. Also, never drive over a downed power line.
On Thursday, Gresham firefighters shared a video showing a fallen live wire that had touched a car and trapped people inside. It happened at Southeast Stark Street and Southeast Troutdale Road. PGE crews responded and de-energized the power line, allowing everyone inside the car to safely get out.
The safest way to exit a vehicle
Salt River Project (SRP), a nonprofit energy company based in Arizona, said there are only two reasons why anyone should exit a vehicle touched by a downed power line. The first is when a first responder tells you to do so, and second, when there's a fire or another life-threatening situation that means you're better off leaving your car than staying in it.
If you must get out of your car because of those circumstances, SRP has tips on the best way to do so:
- Avoid making contact with the vehicle and ground at the same time
- To exit, jump from your vehicle and land with both feet together
- Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet in contact with each other until you are at least 100 feet from the vehicle. If you run, your legs may bridge current from areas of high and low voltage, resulting in electrical shock.
What to do if you're outside near a downed power line
If you aren't in a car and find yourself near a downed power line, shuffle away while keeping both feet in contact with the ground at all times, according to PGE. The utility company advises people to move at least 50 feet away, or the length of a school bus, from any downed line.
People should also stay away from trees, metal or water that may be in contact with the power line. Any conductive material could be energized. Non-conductive materials, like wood or cloth, can still conduct electricity when wet, according to the National Grid. If a person or animal is in contact with electricity, stay back.