In the wake of recent storms and with more severe weather coming, Liberty Utilities is issuing a strong warning to all customers: Stay away from downed power lines; touching live wire may result in death.

“Unfortunately, there’s been a couple close calls with customers trying to help our crews by picking up
downed power lines,” Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities vice president of operations said in a press release. “One of our customers actually coiled up a live wire and zip tied it in an effort to be helpful; we’re not sure why he’s still alive.”

Customers are also warned that if their vehicle comes in contact with a live wire, sometimes hidden in the snow, that they should not leave the vehicle.

Here are some tips:

• Stay inside! The safest place is your car. If you get out and touch the ground and your vehicle at
  the same time, you will most likely be electrocuted.
• Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the vehicle may be injured. Energized soil can
  also electrocute someone standing near downed lines.
• Use your cell phone to call 911.
• Fire department, police and Liberty Utilities workers will tell you when it is safe to get out of your car.
• Do not assume that a downed wire is not energized. You cannot tell by just looking at it.
• Always leave the down wire alone, call Liberty Utilities or 911 if you believe the situation posed an imminent danger.
• Warn others not to go near downed wires.