This year Indiana has been hit hard with devastating tornadoes which have caused severe damage and death. These powerful storms leveled homes, transformed entire blocks into piles of debris, and left thousands without power. Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) urges members to be aware of the electrical dangers these severe storms bring.

While people are familiar with the devastation that can occur with tornadoes, many people don’t realize that one of the biggest potential dangers appears after the storm has passed, says Coons at IEC. “Tornadoes can cause serious damage to power lines and other electrical distribution equipment. In fact, storm spotters often locate tornadoes by watching for flashes when the funnel cloud snaps power lines.”

After a tornado passes through your area, be especially careful about downed power lines. Always assume that a downed line is live until a professional tells you otherwise. Being familiar with these basic safety tips can save your life:

• If a power line is down, call your power company or 911 immediately.
• Never touch or try to move a downed power line, even with a pole or a stick.
• Electric current can spread to the surrounding ground, so keep a safe distance away.
• Do not drive over downed power lines. If a line comes in contact with any metal parts of your car, you’re in danger of electrocution.
• Unless your vehicle is on fire, stay inside it until help arrives if a power line falls across or near your vehicle. If you must exit, jump clear so that no part of your body is touching the car when you land. Keep both feet together and shuffle or hop at least 30 feet away from the vehicle.

“Tornadoes also cause major power outages,” adds Coons. “Most people think of losing electric power as nothing more than an inconvenience, but these outages can create hazards.” To protect yourself, follow some common-sense steps:

• Generators should only be used outside your home.
• Because of the fire hazard, be careful when using candles to provide light. Do not go to sleep while candles are still burning.
• Use a flashlight when moving around the house, so you don’t trip over any objects. If you cook with a grill, do it outside to prevent against carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you’re outside at night during a power failure, remember that visibility is limited and drivers may not be able to see pedestrians.

Other dangers to be aware of are the thunderstorms that accompany tornadoes. They have the potential to create lightning strikes, flooding rains, damaging hail, and winds that can knock down trees and power lines. Awareness is always the best protection.

SOURCES: American Red Cross, Disaster Center.com,  Indiana Department of Homeland Security, National Climatic Data Center,  National Weather Service. Tornado History Project.