Find or report electric outages

What to do if you see a downed powerline

1. Don't go near a downed powerline

Downed powerlines can kill you. Never touch them. Always assume that a fallen powerline is live. Follow these guidelines:

• Don't touch the downed powerline with your hand or any object
• Don't touch anything in contact with a downed powerline, including a car or another person.
• Keep children and pets away from fallen electric lines.
• Don't drive over a downed powerline.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately to report a downed powerline.

2. Stay safe if a downed powerline touches your car

If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed powerline:

• Stay inside your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
• Sound the horn. Roll down your window. Call for help.
• Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around your car can be injured.
• Call 9-1-1 from your car, if possible.
  
• Do no exit the vehicle. 
  • Wait until a firefighter, police officer or PG&E worker tells you it’s safe.

If your car is in contact with a downed powerline and a fire starts, exit the vehicle:

• First, remove loose items of clothing.
• Hands at your sides, jump clear of the vehicle. Make sure you are not touching the vehicle when your feet hit the ground.
• Once clear of the vehicle, keep your feet close together. Shuffle away from the vehicle without losing contact with the ground.

3. Do not use Mylar® balloons and toys near powerlines

• If a Mylar® balloon or toy is caught in a powerline, contact PG&E now. Do not go near the powerline.
  • Mylar balloons, also called foil balloons, are made from plastic nylon sheets with a metallic coating. They cause thousands of power outages every year when they come into contact with powerlines or circuit breakers.    
• Report issues with the PG&E Report It mobile app.
  • Do not use Mylar balloons, kites and remote-control toys near overhead powerlines.
    
  • If you must use Mylar balloons, tie them down. If they float into powerlines, they can cause outages and worse. 

4. Look up and live

• Be aware of powerlines above when lifting a ladder or long-handled tool.
• Avoid fallen or dangling powerlines. Do not touch the lines. Call 9-1-1 now.
• Do you see tree branches or limbs near powerlines? Use PG&E Report It.