KAUKAUNA — After several recent incidents that resulted in live power lines coming down in Kaukauna, fire officials are warning bystanders to stay clear of these dangerous areas.
In a social media post Tuesday, the Kaukauna Fire Department said that they’ve responded recently to to several damaged electrical power line incidents.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they say they have found bystanders walking under damaged power lines and directly around the incident.
“This is extremely dangerous and is likely to cause severe injury or death if the lines are still energized,” warns the fire department. “Please note, if you are injured in an area suspected of being energized, responders are unable to assist you until the power is shut down making the scene safe.”
The Kaukauna Fire Department recommends you keep 50 feet away from all damaged power lines until the experts tell you it is safe.
Kaukauna Utilities has these safety tips:
Downed Power Lines pose an extreme risk of electrical shock injury and electrocution.
- Downed power lines can be deadly. Always assume the line is live and avoid going near it or making contact with it
- Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away
- If you see a downed line, immediately notify local authorities by calling 9-1-1.
- Never drive over downed lines or through water that is in contact with the downed line
- Never try to move a downed line. Using items that are not conductive may not prevent injury or death
- When moving away from a downed line, shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times
- Never touch someone who has come in contact with a power line because they are energized and pose a danger to anyone who comes in contact with them
What to do if downed power lines make contact with your vehicle
If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed line while you are inside
- Stay in the car
- Do not touch any part of the vehicle’s frame or any metal in the vehicle
- Use a cell phone or honk your horn to summon help
- Allow only rescue personnel to approach the car
If a vehicle contacts a power line or utility pole stay away and call 911
- Consider all lines to be live and dangerous
- Stay in place or inside your vehicle unless you see fire or smoke
- Warn others to stay at least 35 feet away
- Tell others not to approach vehicle, downed lines, or anything that may be in contact with downed lines
- Call 911
In the Event of Fire or Smoke
If your vehicle is in contact with a downed line and you must exit due to fire or another imminent threat:
- Do not touch your vehicle and the ground at the same time with any part of your body
- Open the door to your vehicle without touching the metal door frame
- Jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and so both feet land at the same time
- Shuffle away and avoid lifting your feet, ensure both feet are always touching the ground
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