If a power line falls on your car, it’s crucial to remain calm and handle the situation with care to ensure your safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Stay Inside the Vehicle
- Don’t Panic: Your vehicle acts as a protective barrier due to the Faraday cage effect, where the electrical current travels around the exterior of the vehicle without passing through it.
- Avoid Touching Metal: Do not touch any metal parts of the car’s interior, as metal can conduct electricity.
2. Call for Help
- Use Your Cell Phone: Immediately call emergency services (such as 911) and report the incident. Inform them that a power line has fallen on your vehicle.
- Wait for Assistance: Stay on the line and follow any instructions given by the emergency operator.
3. Warn Others
- Stay Put: If bystanders approach, warn them to stay away. A safe distance is at least 35 feet from the vehicle, as the ground around the car may be energized.
- Keep Windows Up: If possible, keep the car windows up to prevent anyone from attempting to touch the vehicle.
4. Do Not Exit the Car Unless Absolutely Necessary
- Only Exit If in Immediate Danger: If the car is on fire or you perceive an immediate life-threatening risk, you may need to exit the vehicle.
- Exit Carefully: If you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle without touching the car and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle or hop away to avoid breaking the electrical current path.
5. If You Must Exit, Follow the Safe Exit Procedure
- Jump, Don’t Step: Open the door without touching the metal parts of the car. Jump out and away from the vehicle, ensuring you do not fall back against the car.
- Keep Feet Together: When you land, keep your feet close together to minimize the path of electrical current and reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Shuffle or Hop Away: Shuffle your feet without lifting them off the ground, or hop with both feet together, to move away from the car and the power line.
6. Move to a Safe Distance
- Stay Clear: Move at least 35 feet away from the vehicle and the downed power line.
- Do Not Return to the Vehicle: Stay away until emergency services arrive and inform you it is safe.
7. Wait for Emergency Services
- Follow Instructions: Once emergency services arrive, follow their instructions carefully.
- Do Not Touch Anything: Do not attempt to touch or move the downed power line.
Conclusion
If a power line falls on your car, the safest place is inside the vehicle. Call for help, stay put, and wait for trained professionals to handle the situation. If you must exit due to immediate danger, follow the safe exit procedures to minimize the risk of electrocution.
