How To Report a Power Line that has Fallen

There are many reasons that a power line can fall to the ground.  Car accidents that involve the power pole attached to the line can knock the lines to the ground.  Wind storms or tornadoes can knock power lines down.  Lightning strikes that hit the power pole can also knock a power line to the ground.  This article explores how to report a power line that has fallen.

The first thing is to avoid the downed power line.  This can be a very dangerous situation.  Keep people, pets, and especially curious children away from the line.  This problem needs to be reported to your local electric company at once.  They are really the only people properly equipped and trained to handle a power line that has fallen.

You should be able to find the number to your local electric company in your local phone book.  They should have an 800 number to call to report any electrical problems.  You need to call this number and try to be connected to a live person.  The company will need your address, or the location of the downed power line.  Be as specific as you can when speaking to the operator.  He will understand the importance of this event and should assure you that someone will be out as soon as possible to fix the problem, or that he will send someone who can at least get the power line up and everyone around out of danger.

If you don't have a phone book available, you can dial 4-1-1 on your telephone, or (area code) 555-1212.  These are the phone numbers for Information.  An operator will ask for the city and state of the number you are trying to locate.  Give them the city and state of your local electric company.  The operator will then ask the name of the business you are trying to contact.  The service will then either connect you directly or give you the number to call.  Either way, you should be able to get in touch with your local electric company.  Once you are in contact with them, see the previous paragraph for further instructions.

If you cannot reach a live person at your electric company and there is no way to convey the information that a power line has fallen, contact your local police department.  If there has been an accident, chances are they are already on the scene.  They will have some way to get in touch with electric company professionals.  If the police are not there, call them and tell them of the situation.  It is their job to protect the citizens, and this situation falls into this category.  They will help you.

Once again, do not try to remove the line yourself.  Contact your electric company to report a power line that has fallen.