Any power line on the ground, a fence, a car or another object can still be live or energized and is extremely dangerous to humans and pets. If you see one, keep away, keep others and pets away, and call 911 immediately.

Remember to never touch anything or anyone in contact with a power line. You could be shocked by contact with the line, or a secondary object or person.

When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out through the ground, similar to when a pebble hits water. It’s possible to be shocked when in the area of a downed power line, which is why it’s so important to stay away and keep others away as well.

Downed power lines often occur during thunderstorms with high winds. Heavy ice and snow can also weigh down power lines or tree branches, which then can fall onto power lines and cause the lines to fall to the ground.

Here are other rules to remember:

• Consider all wires energized and dangerous. Even de-energized lines may become energized at any time.

• Electricity can travel through the ground, fences, hoses, and playscapes. A live wire, either on the ground or in trees, can harm you, even if you don't directly touch the line.

• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items touching or near a downed wire. Call Oncor at 1-888-313-4747 to report the tree limb.

• Never use any object to move a downed wire.

• Rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes will not protect you from electrocution.

• Do not try to rescue someone who makes contact with a downed power line. You risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.

How to Report a Downed Power Line

Call 911 immediately. Oncor works with first responders to safely respond to reports of downed lines. Police or fire departments will be able to help block off the area while our crews make repairs. You can also contact Oncor at 888-313-4747 to report the location of the line after calling emergency services.

When a Vehicle Comes in Contact with a Power Line

If a broken power line falls on your vehicle and you cannot safely drive away: Call 911 immediately.

Warn others not to touch the vehicle. Ask them to call 911 if you are unable to call. Do not leave the vehicle unless it becomes unsafe due to immediate dangers, such as fire or smoke. You may leave the vehicle when someone from Oncor tells you it is safe to do so. 

If you must leave the vehicle because of fire or other danger, jump as far away from the vehicle as possible. Land with both feet on the ground at the same time.

Never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. 

After exiting the vehicle, keep your feet together and "hop" away. Don't run! Never lift a foot. You must either shuffle your feet in tiny steps, with your feet never leaving the ground, or you can hop keeping your feet together. Separating your feet can create two contact points with the ground and can result in a shock if the ground is energized by a fallen wire.

If you observe a fallen power line on a vehicle:

Stay away and call 911. If someone is in the vehicle, instruct them to stay inside until first responders or Oncor workers say it is safe to do so. Do not approach the vehicle or the line.

You can also call Oncor at 888-313-4747 and report the location of the vehicle and line after calling emergency services.