After the line falls, look around the inside of your car and out the windows. If you don’t see flames or smoke, you aren’t in any immediate danger. The safest thing you can do is to stay inside. If you see flames and smoke, refer to Method 2 for instructions on safely evacuating the car. If there are other passengers in the car, communicate with them that the safest thing to do is to stay inside the car. Even one person exiting the car incorrectly could put you all in danger of electrocution.
As long as you stay still and don’t touch the frame of your car, you are safe inside your car.
If anyone gets out of their car to investigate or try to help you, shout over to them that they should not touch your car or get anywhere near the fallen power line. If you don’t have your cell phone on you and weren’t able to dial 911, ask anyone who approaches if they will call 911 for you. Do not have them hand you the phone; instead, tell them to call 911, explain the situation, and provide the address of the downed line.
If you see flames, your car is definitely on fire and you should evacuate as quickly and carefully as you can.
The metal frame of the car is likely charged with electricity by the power line, so it’s important to have as little contact with your car as possible in order to avoid getting electrocuted.
Cross your arms over your body to make yourself as small and compact as possible.
Jump, don’t slide, out of the car. Your body should be in the air, not sitting in the car, when your feet touch the ground.
You may feel silly, but shuffling or hopping may save you from getting shocked. If you choose to hop from the car, make sure that both of your feet hit the ground at the same time.
When the dispatchers arrive, tell them what is going on and follow their safety advice. Warn other approaching cars what has happened, and tell them not to approach or touch the car or the power line. Shout over to them if they are within 50 feet (15. 2 m) of the power line or car.
Say something like, “Hello, are you okay?” When they respond, and if their car isn’t on fire, yell over, “I know what to do in this situation. Stay in your car and try not to touch the frame of the car or any metal parts of your car, since they can be charged with electricity. I’m calling 911 right now, so help will be here soon. As long as you stay in your car, you’ll be fine!” If their car is on fire, say, “Your car is on fire, so you need to get out quickly and carefully! Turn slowly toward the door of your car without touching the frame of the car. Open the door handle without touching any other part of the door. Swing it open, then jump out so that you land on both feet. Shuffle away from the car, and keep both feet on the ground at all times. I’m calling 911 right now, so just focus on getting out of the car carefully!” Be reassuring and let them know that you know what to do. Let them know that as long as they follow your instructions, they will be safe and unhurt. Also let any approaching cars or pedestrians know what has happened and warn them not to get within 50 feet of the line.
If the power line fell on your car, you will likely will have to call a towing company or mechanic to get your car taken away and fixed unless it is only superficially damaged.
