Here’s What to Do If a Powerline Falls On Your Car

Never touch a downed powerline

Share these important tips with your community, so you all know what to do if a powerline falls on your car.

Graphic of a person driving car and a powerline above them.

If a downed powerline has fallen on your vehicle: here’s what to do! 

Graphic of a person driving and a powerline above them.

Remain in your vehicle. The powerline may be live and can be carrying power that can electrify the ground.

Graphic of a hand honking a car horn.Graphic of a yellow school bus.

Notify bystanders that you have been in an accident and honk your horn. Note: Bystanders should never approach downed lines and should remain at least 10 yards away from a downed line, that’s the length of a school bus.

Graphic of two cellphones, one phone has "911 Emergency Call" on the screen and the other phone has "PG&E"

Immediately, call 911 and then PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5000.

If you must exit your vehicle due to an emergency, such as fumes or a fire, please follow these steps:

Graphic of a person opening their car door.

Open your car door and stand firmly at the edge of your vehicle. You do not want to place your foot on the ground to avoid voltage.

Graphic of a person standing at the edge of their car with their arms crossed.

Cross your arms and jump away from the vehicle with your feet together onto the ground, and make sure not to touch the body of your car.

Note: Before exiting your vehicle remove loose items of clothing.

Graphic of a persons feet. Their feed are close together and they are doing a shuffle step.

Make sure to shuffle-step yourself away from your vehicle (keeping your feet always touching and your heel never passing your toes). Do this for at least 30 feet on dry ground and 60 feet on wet ground.

To learn more ways to prepare for an emergency, read Tips to Prepare for a Power Outage.