While severe weather can happen year-round, Oklahoma is known for spring storms and severe weather. Storm damage causes dangers that lurk after a storm has passed. Central encourages you to be aware of and prepared for those dangers.

When you see power lines on the ground following a storm, stay away, warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility. Lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live. Any utility wire, including telephone or cable lines sagging or down could be in contact with an energized power line making them also very dangerous, so stay away from all of them.

Be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Things around an energized line such as chain link fences and metal culverts may also be energized.

Keep in mind that a line that’s indeed “dead” could become energized during power restoration efforts or improper use of generators.

If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and contact emergency personnel or the electric utility. Never drive over a downed line, it could cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down.

If you are in a car that has come in contact with a downed power line, stay in your vehicle. Wait until the utility has arrived and de-energized the line. Warn others not to approach the car. If you must leave your car, only in the case of fire, jump free from the car and hop away from it with both feet together.