Notice:

If you are experiencing a power outage, please call our office at 620-227-2139 or 800-279-7915. Thank you!

What to Do in an Emergency

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Electric emergencies don’t often occur, but if they do, it is important to be ready. Knowing what to do in an emergency will help you and your family live better… and safer!

If an electrical injury or accident does occur, follow these procedures immediately:

  • Call 911 for help and follow their instructions.
  • Have first-aid supplies on hand and easily accessible.
  • De-energize the circuit at the breaker panel.
  • Make sure you are in a safe zone – not in contact with any electrical source, away from downed or broken wires.
  • Never grab the person or pull the person off the current with your hands; you might become part of the circuit and become injured as well.
  • If trained, administer first aid or rescue breathing and/or CPR; know what to do. If possible, take a class to prepare yourself.
  • Do not move the person in case of injury to neck or back unless they are in danger.
  • Keep the victim lying down, warm and comfortable to maintain body heat until help arrives.
  • If the victim is unconscious, put him/her on side to let fluids drain.
  • Make sure the victim receives professional medical attention (person shocked could have heart failure hours later).
  • If the person is in contact with a live outdoor power line, immediately call Victory Electric at 620-227-2139.
  • If a power line is down near your house, don’t touch it! Call us immediately, and stay at least 40 feet away from the area.
  • Keep utility and medical emergency telephone numbers handy.

If a Power Line Falls on Your Car

What to do:

  • Always assume the power lines are live and dangerous.
  • The safest place for a person if their car has struck a utility pole is inside the vehicle. Unless a fire has occurred, do not get out of the vehicle until the lines have been de-energized.
  • If there are other passengers in the car, communicate with them that the safest thing to do is to stay inside the car. Even one person exiting the car incorrectly could put you all in danger of electrocution.
  • Don’t touch the inside of the car. Sit still in your car with your hands in your lap. Take extra care not to touch the frame of your car, which is very possibly charged with electrical current.
  • Call 911 or Victory Electric to de-energize the lines.

If a fire does occur:

  • Make absolutely sure the car is on fire. Evacuating your car is risky, so you want to be 100% sure that your car is on fire before exiting. If you see smoke but no flames, watch the smoke to make sure that it isn’t exhaust coming from your car. Smoke is thick and won’t dissipate quickly, whereas exhaust will fade into the air.
  • Jump out and away from your vehicle and land with your feet together. Make sure no part of your body or clothing touches the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Cross your arms over your body to make yourself as small and compact as possible.
  • In small shuffling steps move at least 40 feet away from the vehicle. The ground could be energized shuffling will decrease the chance of electrical current entering your body through one foot and out the other.

If you witness a downed power line on a car:

  • Stay in your vehicle, or if on foot stay far away (at least 40 feet) from the power line. The ground may be energized.
  • Don’t take risks as a bystander, such as approaching the vehicle or the power line. Even without direct contact with them, you can still be severely and fatally shocked.
  • Call 911 or Victory Electric to ensure help is on the way.
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