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 away with small steps, keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times until you are at least 30 feet away. Do not run or take large steps, as this increases your risk of electrical shock. Keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times ensures that the voltage remains the same between them, minimizing step potential.