The weather outside is frightful! It is the PERFECT time to review storm safety when it comes to inclement winter weather.
Winter weather including excessive rain as we are experiencing now in the Sacramento area is just another part of enjoying life here in the usually sunny state of California. Some areas are subjected to flooding or even flash floods. Excessive amounts of water on the road or even ice can create hazardous conditions leading to automobile accidents and power outages. When a power line is struck and disabled, it can knock out the power to quite a few people and take hours for crews to correct.
Let A1 Electrical provide you with safety advice if you should ever encounter a downed power line!
DOWNED POWER LINES!
#1 If you see a downed power line, STAY FAR AWAY! Keep at least one bus length between yourself and the potential hazard. Use your cell phone to call for help.
#2 If you are in a vehicle that has been involved in an accident resulting in a downed power line, REMAIN INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE if possible. This IS the safest place for you until help arrives. Use your cell phone to call for help.
#3 If you MUST exit the vehicle due to fire or other immediate hazard, please remove any loose/dangling clothing. Open the car door by the handle while avoiding contact with the door. Stand on the door ledge with your feet touching each other and your hands up by your chest. Jump and land with your feet touching one another and shuffle, keeping both feet in contact with the ground at all times, until you are a bus length away from the hazard.
#4 Stay safely AWAY from the downed power line, as it can energize not only the vehicles it may be touching, but also the road, especially in wet weather conditions.
When help arrives, they will be able to neutralize the power so that you can safely exit your vehicle and evacuate the area until repairs are made.
