Electricity Moves Like Ripples in Water

Learn how to safe around downed power lines.

Have you ever seen ripples in water? When you drop something into water, the ripples spread outward in every direction. Electricity can act in a similar way.

When a power line falls to the ground, electricity doesn’t just stay in one place. It can spread out through the ground around it, making the area nearby dangerous — even if you can’t see anything happening.

That’s why it’s important to stay far away from downed power lines. You should never touch anything nearby, including trees, puddles, fences, or objects touching the line.

Even if a line is quiet or not sparking, it can still carry electricity and be

extremely dangerous.

What Is a Downed Power Line?

A downed power line is a line that has fallen or is hanging low after a storm, accident, or damage to a pole.

Because electricity can travel through the ground, water, and nearby objects, it’s important to stay back and let trained utility crews handle the situation safely.

Try This at Home

With an adult, drop a small rock into a bowl or bucket of water and watch the ripples spread outward.

Now imagine the center ripple is a downed power line. The ripples represent electrical current moving through the ground.

Notice how the ripples continue moving farther away from the center. Electricity can also travel outward from a downed power line, which is why it is important to stay far away and never go near one.

The farther away you stay, the safer you are.

Storm Safety Tips

• Stay far away from downed power lines

• Never touch anything near a fallen line

• Tell an adult immediately if you see one

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms

• Use flashlights during outages

Did You Know?

SEI REMC crews receive special training and wear protective equipment when working around power lines to help keep our communities safe.

Remember

Always assume a downed power line is dangerous — even if it is quiet or not sparking.