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Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. High voltages also may be transmitted through materials other than power lines. A wooden pole, a kite, cable or other normally nonconducting material may carry an electrical current if it becomes wet or soiled.

Call Duquesne Light Company's emergency number – 412-393-7000 or 888-393-7000 – to report downed wires, accidents involving utility poles or power lines, or any other hazardous situation. We answer 24 hours a day, every day. If our automated phone system answers, follow the easy directions to immediately report a downed wire.

Here are some safety tips to remember:

  • If a power line falls over your car, stay in the car. If you must leave the car because of immediate danger, jump free of the car, making sure that no part of your body is touching the car when you  come in contact with the ground.
  • It is not possible to determine if a downed power line is energized. Never touch or attempt to move a downed power line or a person who is in contact with a power line.
  • Don't drive over downed power lines.
  • If a downed line is near water, keep a safe distance from the line and the water, even if it is a small puddle.
  • Be careful not to stand under tree limbs or power lines. Tree limbs can become weakened during a storm but not fall until several hours or even days after the storm. The same can be true for power lines or poles that sustain damage.