Storms can tear power lines from their poles. There is no way to tell if a downed line is energized simply by looking. Be safe and assume any downed power line is energized, and stay clear.
If you see a downed power line:
- Report the location to Springfield Utility Board at (541) 746-8451.
- If the line has fallen across a street or sidewalk, or if someone is in contact with the power line, call 911.
- If a power line falls onto your car, try to drive clear. If you can’t, stay in place and call 911. If you must leave the car because of imminent danger, leap clear, making sure you don’t touch the car and the ground at the same time.
- After a major storm, power lines may be down all over the city, including near homes. Reporting them is important, but may prove difficult right after an outage begins when phone lines are very busy. In that case, stay back from the downed lines (at least 50 feet if possible) and try calling again later.