Electrical Public Safety at American Electric Power - What if Power Line is Touching My Vehicle?

Aug 3, 2011 5:00 PM ET

What if a power line is touching my car?
  • If a vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line, it’s usually best for the occupant to stay put and seek help.

  • Honk the horn, roll down your window and yell for help, use your mobile phone to call for help.

  • Make sure to tell passersby not to come near the vehicle.

  What if I have to exit the vehicle?
  • If you have to exit a vehicle that has come in contact with downed power lines, remove loose items of clothing.

  • Jump clear of the vehicle, landing with both feet together.

  • Keep your feet together and shuffle or “bunny hop” away from the car

  ABOUT AEP - American Electric Power
AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S.  AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined.
 
AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas).

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