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What to do if…
a power line appears to have fallen onto your property and you are safely inside

Short answer

Stay inside and assume the line is energized. Keep everyone away from doors/windows near it and call 911 to report a downed power line.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go outside to check it, even if it’s not sparking or making noise.
  • Do not touch anything outside that could carry electricity (fences, railings, metal gutters, wet ground, puddles, hoses).
  • Do not try to move the wire or anything touching it (tree limbs, a ladder, a pole).
  • Do not stand in an open doorway or on a porch to look.
  • Do not assume it’s “just cable/phone” — treat any downed wire as a power line.
  • Do not let kids/pets outside “for a second”.

What to do now

  1. Move everyone to a safer spot inside. Choose an interior room away from the side of the home where the line is down. Keep pets contained.
  2. Stay away from windows/doors closest to the line. Close curtains/blinds if you can do so without going near that area.
  3. Call 911 and say “downed power line on my property.” Give:
    • your address and nearest cross street
    • where the line is (yard/driveway/roof/fence)
    • whether it’s sparking/arcing, smoking, or making loud buzzing
    • whether anything is touching it (tree, fence, car, structure)
  4. Keep your distance if you can see it from inside. If you end up outside later, a common minimum is at least 30 feet (about 10 metres) away — more is better — and stay away from wet ground and anything the line touches.
  5. Call your electric utility’s emergency number if you have it. If not, 911 can route the report; if you do call the utility, keep the call short and focus on location and hazards.
  6. Prevent accidental contact. Message household members and, if relevant, nearby neighbors to stay inside/away. Do not ask anyone to approach or “take a look.”
  7. If you must evacuate because of a separate immediate threat (fire/smoke inside):
    • Leave by an exit farthest from the downed line.
    • Once outside, keep at least 30 feet away (more if you can) from the wire and anything touching it, and wait for responders at a safe distance.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out which exact line it is or whether it “looks live.”
  • You do not need photos, cleanup, or temporary fixes right now.
  • You do not need to decide about repairs/insurance until the area is declared safe by the utility or responders.

Important reassurance

This is the kind of situation where “doing less” is safer. Power lines can be energized without obvious signs, so staying inside and calling it in is the right move.

Scope note

This guide is for the first steps while you’re safely inside. Follow any instructions from 911, the utility, or responders about staying put, safe distances, and when it’s safe to go outside.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional advice. If you believe there is immediate danger to life or a fire, call 911.

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