Downed power line Safety

AES Indiana's top priority is the safety of our customers and our crews, especially when power lines are down.

Think safety first! Never touch or go near a downed power line.

• Always assume it is live and report it by calling 317-261-8111.
• For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
• Stay at least ten feet away and keep children and pets away.
• If you are cleaning up after storm damage, do not remove tree limbs near downed lines until crews have repaired the damage.

Vehicles and utility poles

All traffic accidents are hazardous, but when an accident involves a utility pole there is an added danger of electrocution from downed power lines touching your vehicle.

Know what to do if this happens to you

• Stay inside the vehicle, regardless of whether or not you can see a line down. This is the safest place to stay under the circumstances.
• Honk your horn to alert passers-by.
• Roll down the window and warn people not to touch the car or the line.
• Ask someone to call 911.
• If using a cell phone is your only option, call 911.
• Only consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line if the vehicle catches on fire. If that happens:
  • Open the door, but do not step out.
  • Make sure that you jump completely free of the vehicle with both feet together to avoid contact with the live car (metal) and the ground at the same time, which would create a circuit and cause electrocution.
  • Hop as far away as possible away from the vehicle while keeping both feet together.

If you encounter an accident involving a utility pole

• Never approach a vehicle that is touching power lines; instead call 911 immediately.
• Remain a safe distance away, keep the passengers in the vehicle calm and wait for emergency personnel to handle the situation.

Additionally, never drive over downed power lines. Even if not energized, lines can become entangled in your vehicle. Also, never touch a person who is in contact with power lines or other objects that are touching power lines.