With clean-up efforts after Wednesday’s blizzard are underway, individuals are reminded to use caution for downed power lines. The strong winds, along with snow and ice, were the cause for many of the downed lines in the area, resulting in thousands of households and businesses without power. If a downed power line is spotted, it is recommended to call 9-11 to report the hazard and to stay back at least 30 feet. It is best to err on the side of caution by always assuming the line and the ground around it are energized. There has already been at least one report in the area of an incident where someone was electrocuted by a downed line while picking up sticks.
