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Valley Com dispatched Renton Regional Fire Authority to downed power line at 10:36 PM
Power was out for 1200 customers in downtown Renton last night due to a fallen power line. The line also sparked a small landscape fire on South Grady Way. Renton Regional Fire Authority was dispatched at 10:36 PM, and by about 1:00 AM power was restored to most affected customers. Fortunately I have not heard of any injuries.
Downed power lines are obviously extremely dangerous, and can electrocute people in close proximity even through dry ground. Eight years ago PSE released an informative video showing how to protect yourself if you ever find yourself stalled in a car near a fallen powerline. The video recommends staying in your car until officials come if you can. It also shows if you must exit (if the car is on fire for example) a special jump is the only way you can get out without assistance. The video further illustrates how you should then shuffle your feet instead of taking normal foot steps to avoid getting electrocuted by differential ground voltages as you make your way to safety. Bystanders need to stay away, to a recommended safe distance of at least 35 feet (and I’m sure even further in wet conditions). I’ve included this valuable video below, and recommend everyone watch it.
Image of line down on South Grady Way near new Home Depot. The line can be seen sparking and smoking where it is touching the pavement and landscape. This is a screenshot from a video posted by Luis Ortega to the Renton Crime and Safety Page.
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