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If someone needs immediate help with fallen live wire, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A power line has fallen and may be live on the ground or street.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay far back. Do not touch wire or wet ground near it. Call power company and 101.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wire on ground, hanging low, or sparking.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Damaged pole or transformer buzzing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Objects or vehicles in contact with wire.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fallen lines may still be energized — voltage spreads through earth in rings around the wire.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Metal fences, wet ground, and puddles can carry lethal current far from the wire.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stop and estimate 10 meter clearance — shuffle away with small steps if close.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout warning to anyone approaching.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not drive over or near the wire.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mark area mentally — keep people and traffic back.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep distance and warn others. Only utility workers handle downed lines.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call electricity emergency number first — they can de-energize line.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 101 if fire or injured person involved.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give exact location and describe wire on road or in water.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT touch wire with stick or tool — wood can be conductive if wet.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume rubber shoes protect you from high voltage.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT attempt to move wire with bare hands even if person is hurt nearby.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A fallen wire is safe if it is not sparking
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lines can be fully energized without visible sparks. Treat all downed wires as live.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Mixed chemicals
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleach and acid, bleach and ammonia, or other cleaners were mixed and fumes are rising.
CO alarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your carbon monoxide detector is beeping or alarming.
CO poisoning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from heater, generator, or enclosed fire.
Child electrical shock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child has touched an electrical socket, bitten a cord, or pulled a live plug.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call electricity board emergency line and 101.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If wire fell on vehicle, occupants should stay inside unless fire starts.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wait for utility crew — do not assume power is off because wire is on ground.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anyone who contacted area needs medical evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Only utility workers verify line is dead.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fatal step potential when approaching.