How should downed power lines be handled in dispatch?

• A. Mark hazard area, notify utility, keep civilians away, and coordinate with responders on scene safety
• B. Ignore until responders arrive
• C. Attempt to move lines to clear a path
• D. Notify the media about the hazard

Answer: (A)

Safety is the priority when lines are down. Downed power lines can energize the ground and surroundings even if they don’t look damaged, so the dispatcher’s role is to establish a safe perimeter, prevent civilian exposure, and enable rapid utility involvement to de-energize and secure the area. Marking the hazard area helps responders know exactly where risk sits and where not to tread, while notifying the utility ensures power can be shut off and lines secured as quickly as possible. Keeping civilians away reduces the chance of contact, trips, or secondary incidents, and coordinating with responders on scene safety ensures everyone follows proper entry routes, uses appropriate protective measures, and adapts to evolving conditions.

Other options miss the mark because they ignore the safety sequence or try to address the problem through unrelated actions. Ignoring until responders arrive delays critical protection; attempting to move lines is a direct, dangerous action that could cause severe harm; and notifying the media offers no immediate safety benefit and could create confusion or distractions.