What NOT to Do

There are four things you must NOT do when you respond to a fire that involves electrical equipment:

• Do NOT stand on the ground when operating aerial equipment. Staying on the equipment will keep you safe from electrical shock in the event an extension boom contacts a power line.
• Do NOT work in areas where smoke is dense. Dense smoke can obscure electrical hazards, such as downed power lines. It can also conduct electricity.
• Do NOT use water to suppress the fire unless directed to do so. Instead, use a dry chemical extinguishing agent.
• Do NOT use a solid stream of water to protect exposures. A solid water stream can conduct electricity or cause insulators to shatter.