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Knowing what 10 metres looks like could save
your life

10 metres is about the length of four bulls and the minimum safe distance from a fallen powerline.

What to do when you see a fallen powerline

Stay at least 10 metres away from a fallen powerline

A fallen powerline could be electrified and so could the ground around it.

Warn others

It’s always safest to assume a fallen powerline is live. Warn others to stay at least 10 metres away.

Call Horizon Power immediately

Report the fallen powerline by calling our faults and outages line on 13 23 51.

In a life-threatening situation, call emergency services

If there is immediate danger, call 000.

So, don't forget...

What to do if your vehicle hits a power pole

If your vehicle is in contact with a fallen powerline, it could be electrified and so could the ground around it. Follow these steps to stay safe.

Stay in vehicle

It sounds strange, but your car is actually the safest place for you to be because you aren't in physical contact with the ground.

If you aren't in immediate danger, stay in the vehicle, warn others to keep away and call 000.

Exiting the vehicle safely

You should only get out of your vehicle if it’s on fire or you believe you are in imminent danger. To do this safely, you need to make sure you don’t touch the vehicle and ground at the same time.

The safest way to exit the vehicle is by jumping from the car, keeping your feet together and your arms towards your chest.

Shuffle to safety

After you’ve exited the vehicle, you still need to get out of the danger zone safely.

You can do this by keeping your feet close together and shuffling one foot forward a little at a time, never letting the heel of one foot move past the toe of the other. Keep shuffling until you're at least 10 metres away.

Private power poles are your responsibility

Learn how to keep your pole safe and well-maintained.

Find out more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.