What safety considerations are unique when handling downed power lines near an accident scene?

• A. Keep a safe distance, treat lines as energized, and coordinate with the utility company; do not touch or step near lines.
• B. Ignore lines if there are more pressing injuries.
• C. Attempt to lift lines to create a path.
• D. Only tell bystanders to stay away.

Answer: (A)

The safety idea being tested is that downed power lines must be treated as live and handled with strict caution because they can shock people or energize the ground even if they look harmless. Electricity can arc through air to nearby objects, and the ground around a downed line can be energized, so stepping on the ground or touching anything near the line can complete an electric circuit. Because you can’t tell by sight whether a line is energized, the safest stance is to treat it as energized at all times.

The correct approach is to keep a wide distance, avoid touching or stepping near the line, and immediately involve the utility company to de-energize the line and verify it is safe before rescue actions proceed. Establish barriers or use vehicles to maintain the safety perimeter and instruct bystanders to stay back. Do not attempt to move or lift the line yourself, and do not rely on assumptions about whether the line is harmless. Wait for professionals to secure the scene so responders can work without risking electrocution.