The weather’s been pretty turbulent this year. Wind can often blow over trees, or cause branches to fall on power lines. This winter, I’ve had several large branches from my trees land in my yard, just missing some overhead lines in my yard.
So, what do you do if you see a power line? Avista’s website has safety tips for just such a situation.
Always assume that every power line knocked down is still live or energized. Don’t touch them.
If a person or an object is touching a live power line, don’t touch the person or object. Electricity can travel through them into you.
Stay as far away as possible. Even the ground could be energized by the downed line. If the line is touching a fence or other nearby objects, stay as far away as possible.
Call 911 and then call Avista.
If a power line falls on your vehicle, you should stay inside. If other people approach the vehicle to try to help, remind them to stay away, too. If the vehicle is on fire and you have to leave it, make sure your feet don’t touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. You’ll have to jump and land with both feet at the same time.
Avista’s website has lots of safety resources, for no matter the situation.
Lisa, an Avista customer, bought her 1910 house because she loved the old-world character, some of which doesn’t make her house very energy efficient.  Lisa is sharing her experience on taking some simple do-it-yourself improvements to inspire others to do the same. You’ll find her stories right here every Tuesday morning.