Downed power lines can be deadly

The City of Mesa Utilities Department is committed to ensuring your safety. That’s why we want you to be aware of what to do if you happen upon a downed power line. Please remember these important tips:

• Assume that all downed wires are energized, even if there is no spark. They may look harmless, but if energized, they can cause serious injury, or even death, when touched. If you see a downed power line, call the City of Mesa at (480) 644-2262 or dial 911.
   
• Observe the minimum safe distance of 10 feet. Stay back and do not touch the line. Also keep children and pets away from the downed line. A live wire lying on the ground can cause electricity to travel across the ground, outward from the contact point.
   
• Do not attempt to cut or remove a tree or other object that is entangled with a power line. Electricity can travel through tree branches or other items such as brooms, boards, and plastic materials, especially when the items are wet.
   
• If a line falls across your vehicle, stay put until emergency help arrives. You are safer inside the vehicle. Warn bystanders to keep away.
   
• If you MUST exit the vehicle because of fire or injury, jump clear, landing on the ground with both feet together. Avoid touching any metal on the vehicle. Shuffle away from the vehicle with both feet on the ground until you have reached a safe distance of 10 feet or more.

Electricity seeks the simplest path to the ground, through conductors such as metal, water, even people. If you are part of that path, you are in danger. So stay back and stay safe!