News: Bottom Line -- Don't Mess with Downed Power Lines!

(Oct. 30, 2012) - In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Loudoun County reminds residents to be aware of potential hazards, such as downed power lines. If you see a power line on the ground, stay away! According to local utility companies, water on the ground - even damp pavement - and debris near power lines could be energized and deadly. Be aware of hazards presented by downed power lines.

• Consider all wires energized and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time. 
• Stay at least 20 feet away from the wire. 
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire. 
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire. 
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.

If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:

• Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized. 
• Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help. 
• If you must leave the vehicle because it is on fire, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.

If you see a downed power line, contact your local utility. The number for Dominion Power is 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). The number for NOVEC is 1-888-335-0500. NOVEC urges customers to make sure their current phone number is in the system as the correct number will expedite outage reporting and power restoration. Customers who use cellphones and have not registered their numbers should call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate their numbers with their accounts.

To get the latest information on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Loudoun County, sign up for alerts from the county including emergency information, news releases, traffic information, and more through Alert Loudoun at www.loudoun.gov/alert; follow Loudoun County on Twitter at www.loudoun.gov/twitter ; and on Facebook at www.loudoun.gov/facebook. Important information from the Loudoun County government is also posted on www.loudoun.gov and www.loudoun.gov/hurricane.

Loudoun County residents who have questions related to the storm may call the Loudoun County Information Hotline at 703-737-8300.