After three people were hospitalized after being shocked by a downed power line near Lake Conroe, the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office released a list of tips to keep residents safe.
The victims were a 59-year-old man, a 56-year-old woman and a 6-year-old boy.
KPRC 2 obtained cell phone video showing a power line bursting into flames at the Lake Conroe RV Campground Tuesday afternoon.
“We were in the warehouse just watching the rain come on the wind started blowing really hard. At first, I thought the wind was blowing down the power line but then the tree knocked over. I was just thinking about those trailers over there. They’re real close to the powerline,” witness Nathan Christy said.
Hours after the powerline went down, Montgomery County Fire Marshals said a 59-year-old man came in contact with the downed line. Neighbors found him on the ground with severe burns. A 56-year-old woman and a 6-year-old boy were also severely injured during the incident. Officials said it’s unclear how they got their injuries.
Devin Vega saw first responders show up after the fact. He lives on the campground and say he saw several first responders arrive.
“I was surprised it hadn’t been fenced off or anything sooner. There wasn’t an email sent out any sooner. I was honestly quite surprised that it happened. Because the arc flashes it actually happened hours previous that day,” Vega said.
Many people in the area, now thinking twice about getting close to down power lines.
“Would never get close to anything sparking like that even the day after, I would make sure all of the emergency crews are here,” Christy said.
As downed power lines have become a prominent risk in storms across Houston in recent weeks, officials are trying to educate people on the risks associated with being near a downed power line during a severe weather event.
Here are the guidelines as listed by the MCFMO:
- If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized.
- You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live.
- The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.
- If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 for help.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
- Be careful not to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
- If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay away from your car.
- If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the car.