Downed Power Lines and Car Accidents Involving Power Poles
If you come across a downed line, keep as far away from it as you can. Never touch a downed line or anything near it. Assume any downed line is an energized power line.
If a power line falls on your car while you are driving, slowly continue on to move completely clear of it (but do not drive over it). If your car is immobilized, stay in it until help arrives.
If the downed line causes a car fire, escape the vehicle by jumping clear of the car with both feet together. Be sure not to touch metal and the ground at the same time. Be sure to keep your arms crossed over your chest while you jump. Once you land on the ground with both feet together, quickly shuffle away from the car. Do not walk or separate your feet as you move away from the vehicle. If a car hits a power pole, knocking down power lines, call 911 and Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 immediately. Never try to open a car door if there are live wires and stay well clear of the vehicle.
If someone comes in contact with a power line, stay clear and call Puget Sound Energy and 911 for medical treatment immediately. Do not touch the victim or try to move the wire. Once the victim is no longer in contact with electrical current, determine what first aid steps to take. If the victim is not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cover the victim with a blanket and keep them warm. If the victim's face is pale, raise the feet; if the face is red, keep the head raised.