Current storms can cause downed power lines; stay away cautions AEP

The storms caused by Hurricane Isaac can bring rain, flooding, strong winds -- and downed power lines. If you see a downed line of any kind, stay far away. You should call 911 and your local power company immediately. You can NOT tell by simply looking at a downed line if it is live or energized. Always assume all wires are live and carrying electricity. Don't touch the wire or anything touching it under any circumstance.

Our short video explains power line safety, and this factsheet details downed power line safety.

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).