Overhead power lines can carry more than 500,000 volts. Touching one of the lines can provide a path for electricity to the ground and hurt or kill you. Assume all power lines are energized and dangerous.

If You See a Downed Power Line, Stay Very Far Away
Downed power lines can hurt or kill you, even if they do not spark, hum, or "dance". Stay away from anything that is touching the line, such a tree, fence, vehicle, etc. Call 9-1-1 and We Energies to report the line. Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a downed line — you could be killed!

Watch for Downed Lines After Storms
Downed lines are most common after storms and high winds. If you are outside after a storm, be alert for lines that may be hard to see in streams or puddles.

Shuffle, Do Not Run, from a Downed Line
When moving away from a downed power line, shuffle with your feet together and on the ground. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity travels through the ground in all directions. Voltage lessens as it travels from the center where the live wire is touching the ground. If you run or take large steps, you could conduct electricity from one leg at one voltage to another leg at another voltage.

Downed Lines and Vehicles
If your vehicle contacts a power line, stay inside until rescue workers say it is safe to leave. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

If you MUST leave the car because of fire or other danger, JUMP away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together. Shuffle away, keeping your feet together and on the ground.