Rhode Island Energy Tips of the Trade

Welcome to Rhode Island Energy’s Tips of the Trade for first responders. These tips are intended to help you respond safely and effectively to incidents involving natural gas and electricity. Please review them with your team.

Downed power lines and step potential

Step potential is the voltage difference between the two feet of a person standing near an energized, grounded object. This invisible hazard can be deadly for anyone in the vicinity of a downed power line.

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How step potential happens

When a power line contacts the earth, it carries electric current into the ground. If the voltage is strong enough, the current will spread out from the point of contact. Voltage will be highest at the point of contact and will diminish with distance from that point. (Voltage levels may vary with ground conditions and the conductivity of the soil.)

If you walk across this energized area, the voltage between your feet will differ. Electricity will use your legs as a path to travel from an area of higher voltage to an area of lesser voltage, resulting in electrocution or serious injury.

The shuffle technique is key

If you are in the vicinity of a downed power line, you must shuffle away with small movements, keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times. DO NOT take large steps, and DO NOT allow the heel of one foot to pass the toes of the other. These precautions ensure both feet remain in areas of similar voltage.

Continue shuffling until you are at least 30 feet away from the line and any objects that may be energized. Downed transmission lines from large towers require 100 feet of clearance. Always maintain the maximum distance possible from any downed line.

Distance is your best protection

Downed power lines can be energized even if they don’t hum or spark, and even lines that appear dead could become re-energized at any moment. If you see a downed line, contact Rhode Island Energy immediately and take these precautions:

•	Keep yourself, the public, and all vehicles and equipment as far away as possible from ALL downed power lines and objects that may be energized. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed distribution lines and 100 feet away from downed transmission lines.

•	DO NOT try to rescue anyone near a downed power line until electric utility personnel arrive and confirm that the line is de-energized. Ignoring this warning could result in serious injury or death.

•	Stay clear of downed power lines at all times—even when they interfere with operations. Never touch or attempt to move them.

For more first responder safety information, visit
rienergy.e‑smartresponders.com.

To report emergencies, call 911 and Rhode Island Energy immediately.

Natural gas emergencies:
1‑800‑640‑1595

Electrical emergencies:
1‑855‑RIE‑1102 (743‑1102)

Always call 911 if you suspect a gas leak!

Smell Gas. Act Fast. Call 911.