Nov. 12, 2007

Be aware and stay safe
PGE tips for dealing with hazards during storms

Portland, Ore. — Protecting public safety is Portland General Electric's highest priority during storms. We fix downed power lines first. Facilities such as hospitals, water treatment plants and fire and police departments also stay at the top our repair list.

PGE urges everyone to stay indoors during storms to avoid potential hazardous situations that may involve downed power lines and other equipment.

Here are some tips to help stay safe during storms:

• Electricity is invisible — lines don't have to spark or sizzle to carry electricity. Even if the line looks insulated (such as cables or phone lines), always assume that downed lines are live and extremely dangerous. Never touch downed wires with your body or any object. Stay as far away as you can — keep kids and pets away too. If you see any downed line, call PGE immediately at 503-464-7777 in the Portland area, 503-399-7717 in the Salem area or 1-800-544-1795 elsewhere. Call 911 if another public safety issues, like fire or traffic problems exists.
•  If someone comes in contact with a downed line or is using equipment that touches a power line, do not attempt a rescue. You may become a victim as well. Call 911 immediately and wait for emergency personnel to respond.
• Stay away from substations and the electrical equipment inside. They contain high voltage! Substation fences may be energized if equipment fails inside the substation.
•  Water and electricity should never be mixed. Don't touch anything electrical if you're wet or near water.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, battery-operated radio, wind-up or battery-operated clock, extra batteries, fire extinguisher, bottled water, canned food and manual can opener. Also consider including paper plates, plastic utensils, a Thermos, blankets, camp stove and firewood in your kit.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay calm. Assume the line is energized, and stay inside unless you are in immediate danger of fire or other injury. If you have a cell phone, call 911. Warn others not to touch you or the vehicle. If you are absolutely forced to leave your vehicle while it is in contact with a power line, jump as far as you can and land with both feet together. Be sure no part of your body touches the car and ground at the same time!
• Please be patient and prepared for a power outage that may last for an extended time period. Our crews are working hard to get the lights back on.

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