Safety & Preparedness
Downed power lines are a serious hazard that can cause fires, injuries, or even death if not handled correctly. Knowing what to do can keep you and others safe, especially during storms or accidents.
This guide explains simple, clear actions to take when encountering downed power lines in Australia. Always follow official advice, call emergency services if needed, and stay calm to protect yourself and your community.
Downed Power Lines Safety Guide
Tap play to listen. Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Understanding the Danger of Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines are live electrical cables that have fallen to the ground or onto objects, often after storms, vehicle crashes, or structural damage. They may not look dangerous but can carry thousands of volts of electricity. Touching or even approaching them can cause severe electric shocks or start fires.
Electricity can travel through conductive surfaces, including water, fences, trees, and metal poles. This means even standing near a downed wire can be life-threatening. It is vital to treat all fallen wires as live until professionals confirm otherwise.
It is important to remember that power lines are often insulated by air rather than by visible coverings. This means that even if the wire appears damaged or the insulation looks intact, the electrical current may still be flowing freely. Additionally, the ground around the downed wire can be energized, creating a hazard zone that extends beyond the wire itself. This phenomenon, known as step potential, means that electricity can pass through the ground and affect anyone standing within a certain radius.
What to Do When You See Downed Power Lines
Keep Your Distance and Warn Others
The first step is to stay at least 8 metres away from the downed wires. This distance helps reduce the risk of electric shock from the ground or surrounding objects. Do not attempt to move or touch the wires yourself. If you are in a vehicle that hits a power pole, remain inside until help arrives unless there is an immediate fire danger.
Photo by Didgeman via Pixabay
If you are outdoors and see downed power lines, quickly but calmly move away in a straight line without running or making sudden movements. Avoid stepping over wires or walking through water near the fallen cables. If you are with others, alert them quietly and ensure everyone moves to a safe distance.
Call for Emergency Help
Dial 000 immediately to report the downed power lines. Inform the operator of your exact location and the nature of the hazard. Fire and Rescue, Police, and the local electricity distributor will be alerted to respond. If the situation involves injuries or fire, ambulance services will be dispatched.
⚡A4 Guide
Safety & Preparedness
Downed Power Lines — What To Do
A clear, printable A4 guide for storms and accidents. Keep it handy and follow the steps calmly.
If you see others near the wires, warn them to move away calmly and do not let anyone approach the hazard for any reason.
Do Not Drive Over or Near Downed Wires
If you are driving and notice downed power lines on or near the road, stop safely well before reaching them. Never drive over a fallen wire as your vehicle may become electrified. Also, alert other drivers by turning on hazard lights or signaling if it is safe to do so.
If your vehicle makes contact with a power line, stay inside the vehicle and warn others to keep their distance. Exiting the vehicle could expose you to electric shock if the ground around the vehicle is energized. Only leave if there is an immediate threat such as fire, and if you do, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together, avoiding contact with the vehicle and ground at the same time.
Avoid Water and Conductive Materials
Electricity can travel through wet ground and metal objects. Keep clear of puddles, fences, metal gates, and any objects touching downed wires. This will reduce the risk of the electric current reaching you indirectly.
In addition, be mindful that rain or wet conditions can increase the risk of electrical conduction through surfaces. For example, a metal fence that may appear safe during dry weather can become hazardous if it is in contact with a live wire and wet from rain. Always assume any conductive material near downed lines is dangerous.
If a Person is in Contact with a Downed Power Line
If you see someone touching a downed power line or an object it’s in contact with, do not touch the person or the wire. You could become a conductor of electricity and suffer injury or death. Call 000 immediately and wait for emergency services.
If it is safe and you are trained to do so, use a non-conductive object such as a wooden broom handle or dry rope to carefully push the person away from the wire. Only attempt this if you can do so without touching them and the wire at the same time.
In situations where someone has been electrocuted, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately. Do not try to move the person unless there is an immediate danger, as improper handling can worsen injuries. If trained in CPR and first aid, be prepared to provide assistance once the person is clear of the electrical hazard and it is safe to do so.
After Emergency Services Arrive
Fire and Rescue personnel or the State Emergency Service (SES) will secure the area, ensure the power is switched off, and manage any dangers such as fire or injuries. The electricity distributor will then repair or remove the damaged lines.
Stay clear of the site until authorities say it is safe. Follow any instructions from emergency crews and local warnings issued via radio, TV, or official apps.
In some cases, the power outage caused by downed lines may last several hours or longer. Prepare for this possibility by having alternative lighting sources, such as battery-powered lamps or candles, and avoid using appliances until power is confirmed as restored. Keep updated on the situation through official channels to know when it is safe to return or use electrical devices again.
Preparing Your Home and Family
Power lines can fall during storms or accidents, so it pays to prepare your home and family. Keep emergency numbers handy, including your local electricity provider. Make sure everyone in your household knows to never touch downed wires and to keep clear if they see any.
Have a safety plan that includes where to shelter during storms and how to call emergency services. Keep flashlights and batteries ready in case of power outages. Knowing what to do before an incident helps reduce panic and injury.
Consider preparing an emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. This kit can be invaluable during prolonged power outages or severe weather events that may accompany downed power lines. Regularly review and update your kit to ensure everything is in working order.
If You Only Do Five Things
First, never approach or touch downed power lines. Maintain a safe distance of at least eight metres. Second, call 000 immediately to report the hazard. Third, warn others to stay away and do not let anyone near the area. Fourth, if you are in a vehicle that has hit a power pole, stay inside unless there is an emergency fire threat. Lastly, wait for emergency services to manage the situation and follow their advice carefully.
Who Does What in Australia
Fire and Rescue respond to fires, accidents, and electrical hazards like downed power lines. They secure the area and manage immediate dangers.
Police control crowds, secure the scene, and investigate incidents involving downed wires or electrical accidents.
Ambulance provide medical care and transport for injured people affected by electrical shocks or accidents.
State Emergency Service (SES) assist in storm damage, road hazards, and support Fire and Rescue during major incidents, including helping with safety around downed power lines.
For urgent electrical hazards and emergencies, always call 000 first.
