With all the storms and powerful winds as of late, power lines are susceptible to falling down into properties and roadways. Monmouth Fire Department Captain Craig Cozadd shares what citizens should do in case of a power line coming down:
“The first thing you should do if you have a tree fall or see a line down or a line’s arcing is call 9-1-1. They also suggest you call Ameren. But when you call 9-1-1, we’ll send an engine out and usually a police officer as well to see what’s going on. One of the main things I want to point out is when we show up, it’s not just touching the power line that’s dangerous; it can electrify anything around it. A tree could be charged, or the ground could be wet. Anything that’s wet, anything that could conduct any type of electricity, it could be going through that. Ameren says to stay ten feet away, I think 20 feet is better. Obviously never move the line; if there’s a line down, don’t touch it.”
If you see a downed power line, or what looks like a power line on the ground, call 9-1-1 and let the first responders take care of it.
