Downed Power Lines

Moving power lines is extremely dangerous, and could result in serious injury or death. Never touch a downed power line or try to move one with any type of object. Even if the material is non-conductive, such as wood, moisture in the wood will act as a conductor. Also, the line could slide down the object and come into contact with your body.

• if you live in a tornado zone or where high winds can occur, secure anything that might be blown around or torn loose and cause a fire;
• report downed lines to us or the police immediately;
• treat all downed lines as if they were energized; stay away from them and anything that they touch including puddles of water and fences, especially if the fences are metal;
• keep children inside and pets on a leash to keep them safe from electric shock or electrocution;
• never attempt to repair damaged power lines or remove tree limbs from power lines. Only qualified Manitoba Hydro employees should do this;
• if you see crews working on power lines, try to avoid their work area.

If your vehicle comes in contact with downed power lines:

• Stay where you are, if at all possible. It may be dangerous to exit from the vehicle.
• If you can safely back the vehicle away from contact with the lines, do so.
• Warn others to stay clear of the power lines.
• Have someone contact us to de-energize the lines.

As a last resort – if it is necessary to leave the vehicle, it is important not to simply step out of the vehicle one foot at a time as your body will make a path for electricity to ground.

• Keep your feet together.
• Hold your arms tightly at your sides.
• Jump clear without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time.
• With feet together, shuffle or hop away from the downed line and vehicle.

Safe Exit from Vehicle	Running time (1:00)
	Watch a video on how to exit your vehicle safely if it has come in contact with a downed power line.