What is the recommended action if you encounter downed primary wires?

• A. Approach and inspect
• B. Move the wires
• C. Ignore and continue
• D. Maintain a safe distance and call for help

Answer: (D)

Downed primary wires are extremely dangerous because they can energize the ground and anything nearby. You can be shocked or killed from the arc or through indirect contact, even if you don’t touch the wire itself. Since you can’t tell whether a line is live just by looking, the safest action is to stay well back and call for help right away. Do not inspect, touch, or move the wires, and warn others to stay away. Notify emergency services or the utility so trained crews can de-energize and secure the area. If you’re in a vehicle and a line falls on it, stay inside and call for help; exit only if there’s immediate danger and do so while keeping feet together to avoid creating a path for electricity.