Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about about learning the safety precautions to take once it’s gone. 

After a storm, many think the dangers have left with the high winds, heavy rain and lightning strikes, but sometimes danger can come during the storm recovery period. Keeping your distance from downed power lines, and knowing what to do if you see them, are the first steps to take when recovering from a storm safely.

If you see a downed power line, which could be making contact with tree limbs, vehicles and puddles, always stay clear at least 35 feet. There is no way of knowing whether or not the power line is still live, and if you happen to touch one that is, consequences could be deadly.

“Large overhead power lines can carry more than 700,000 volts of electricity,” said Tom VanParis, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Fatalities can occur when someone comes in contact with a live wire of only a couple hundred volts.”

If you see that someone already made contact with a power line, do not try to rescue him/her. You can’t help if you become a victim. Immediatley call 911 for assistance, and then contact your electric utility to turn off the power.

During the storm recovery process, downed power lines are a threat to the area around them. Here are some helpful safety tips from your electric cooperative to help you stay safe around downed power lines:

• If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. Keep a distance of 35 feet, as the ground around downed power lines may be energized.
• Assume all downed power lines are live.
• If you see someone in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, DO NOT touch him/her. You could become energized as well. Call 911 for assistance.
• NEVER attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Non-conductive materials like wood or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.
• Don’t step in water near downed lines.
• Never drive over a downed power line.
• If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line while you’re in the vehicle, stay inside the car. Call 911 or honk your horn to get help, but tell those rendering aid to stay away from the vehicle.
• If you must exit the vehicle for life-threatening reasons — jump out and away from it, making sure to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle away with your feet touching until you reach a safe distance. NEVER get back into a vehicle that is in contact with a power line.

Stay safe around electricity and downed power lines after a storm. It could save a life.