It’s the season of ghosts, gargoyles, goblins, and gobstoppers, but creepy monsters and cavities aren’t the only things you should be worried about. Autumn winds and longer nights help cover up the real monsters: downed power lines.
A downed power line is a power line that has fallen due to severe weather or other unique incidents. These power lines distribute the electricity that powers our lives, but when they fall, those downed lines become an immediate risk to you and your family’s safety.
Luckily! DTE is committed to making sure you’re more prepared than a teenager in an 80s slasher film. If you happen to encounter a downed power line, follow these safety guidelines to make sure you keep the scares on the screen and your peace of mind in real life.
Look up to know what’s down
Like trying to spot a ghost, seeing downed power lines isn’t always easy. One of the best ways to tell if you may have a downed line in your area is to look up at nearby power lines and see if anything looks missing. Be cautious as lines can be easily hidden by trees or fallen leaves.
Always stay at least 20 feet away
If you saw a mummy coming near you, your first reaction would be to go the opposite way. The same thinking should be applied to downed power lines. All lines should be considered energized and treated with extreme caution. Never touch, try to move or come in contact with anything a downed line is touching. Stay at least 20 feet away and if possible, warn others in your area.
Call it in
This isn’t a scary movie. Your phone will work. Call DTE at 800.477.4747 or contact 911 to report a downed power line. By notifying us of downed lines or other safety hazards, that allows our crews to respond quickly to assure your safety and continue on to other public safety concerns.
So, as you setup your annual Halloween decorations or if your children are able to trick or treat social distance style, it’s not Frankenstein or Dracula you should be worried about. Keep an eye out for downed power lines and enjoy your Halloween fun!
For more Halloween time electric safety tips, click here.