Power line falls in middle of road; 26th Avenue closed

DENVER (KDVR) — Heavy snow falling in the metro area brought down several power lines with it, causing road closures and power outages in some cases.

West Metro Fire Rescue responded to over a dozen calls reporting downed power lines overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

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Power lines fell either from heavy snow piling up or by falling trees and branches.

Thursday morning, power lines from traffic lights fell in the middle of the road on 26th Avenue. WMFR said 26th Avenue was closed at Wadsworth Boulevard until the lines could be taken care of.

What to do if you see a down power line

If you see a downed power line, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association says to stay away, do not touch it, warn others and contact the power company or local emergency services. WMFR says to call 911 if you see a downed power line.

“Any utility wire, including telephone or cable lines, could be in contact with an energized power line making them very dangerous,” the PVREA website reads.

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PVREA said any downed line should be treated as energized, adding that tree limbs and debris may hide an electrical hazard, and a downed power line can energize things around it.

If you are in a vehicle that has come in contact with a powerline, the safest place to be is inside the vehicle.

“While it may appear a power line has become de-energized and it is safe to exit the vehicle, the only way to know for sure is if a power utility company has confirmed the line has no electricity flowing through it,” the PVREA website reads.

PVREA says to stay put in the vehicle until crews confirm that there is no power in the line. If the line is energized and someone exists the vehicle improperly, PVREA said the person could create a path to the ground and electrocute themselves.

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