Avoid Touch and Step Potential
To avoid touch potential, never touch anyone or anything that may be in contact with a source of electricity. If you do, you will become a victim, as well. Wait until the electricity is turned off before attempting a rescue.
Do not touch downed power lines or anything they are touching, which may include:
- Phone or cable lines
- Utility poles
- Vehicles
- Metal fences
- Ladders
- Trees
- The ground
To avoid step potential near an energized, grounded object, shuffle at least 30 feet away, keeping both feet close together and on the ground at all times.