Q&A for How to React if a Power Line Falls on Your Car

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A power line fell onto my wife's car, but there were no passengers in it. What should we do?

Community Answer

Call the power company. If it is insulated with plastic, it is safe - but don't risk it. Have a professional remove it.

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Question

Can I just drive away?

Pearlbelle

Top Answerer

No, the car will be filled with electricity, and moving it could cause you to become electrocuted.

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Question

How do I get 2 kids out of a car that has power lines on it?

Community Answer

Don't exit the vehicle unless it is on fire. If your car is on fire, tell your kids the instructions in method 2 in a way that they can understand. Warn them that the most important thing is not to touch the frame of the car, and let them know that they have to hop away from the car after they exit.

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Question

How do I rescue a baby in a car seat if a car is on fire?

Community Answer

Call the emergency number in your area. In the US it is 911. If you can reach the baby, just unbuckle it from the car seat immediately. If you are outside the car use a coat or something else over your hand so your isn't severely burned and if it is locked, then break the car window, unbuckle the baby and get it out as fast as possible.

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Question

How do you remove a toddler from his or her car seat when power lines are on your vehicle

Community Answer

Only remove the toddler from the car seat if the car is on fire. If the car is on fire, reach into the back, being careful not to touch the car's metal frame. Take the toddler out and hold him or her close to your chest. If the toddler can understand, tell him or her to hug you and not touch the car. Then open the door and jump down, tightly holding your child. Shuffle with both your feet on the ground at the same time until you are 50 feet (15.2 m) away, then call 911.

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Question

What if my car handles are metal?

Community Answer

Don't exit your car or touch the doorhandles unless the car is on fire. If the car is on fire and you have metal doorhandles, there isn't much you can do but exit the car and hope that the car hasn't conducted electrical current.

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Question

How would I get 2 or more children out of a car in a downed power line situation?

Community Answer

Do the same as described in Part 2, but make sure to remain calm and explain everything to them.

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Question

What happens if I grab the power lines with both hands?

Verin

Top Answerer

Unless the power line has already been grounded, you could end up getting electrocuted. Do NOT touch power lines, under any circumstances.

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Question

What happens if you touch the power line?

Community Answer

If the line is properly insulated, nothing will happen. However, if the line is "hot" and you touch it where it's broken, you will be electrocuted. It's best to stay away from it and let an electrician handle it.

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Question

If you are driving, do you keep the engine running when you have to exit?

Community Answer

No. Turn it off.

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Question

If a power line falls on my car, should I continue to drive?

Community Answer

No. Follow the suggestions above.

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Question

Can I hire someone to do this for me?

7e12 7e12

Community Answer

You can hire an electrician who can go with you in the car and will help you safely exit.

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