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[-] wewbull@feddit.uk 119 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

This is particularly applicable around downed power cables. Do NOT approach. You don't need to touch it to become the wire.

For example: in LA right now

[-] MataVatnik@lemmy.world 103 points 1 month ago

dO nOT toUch the DoWn wIres uuuum I have MY RIGHTS to turn myself into a gas station hotdogs thankyouverymuch

[-] EtherWhack@lemmy.world 33 points 1 month ago

You have to keep in mind that the resistance from one foot to your other is going to be less than dry earth between your strides. This means if you are walking toward a downed power line, you may inadvertently walk within its path to its ground and the voltage could actually travel through you.

https://youtu.be/7BbGzTqTNxc

[-] Saleh@feddit.org 13 points 1 month ago

Why is this not knowledge taught in school?

It is the first time i hear about it and i have never thought of it, yet it makes total sense and could make the difference between life and death in a storm damaged area.

[-] philpo@feddit.org 13 points 1 month ago

Well, we did learn exactly that in school and had a practical demonstration at a museum.

But on a different continent.

[-] dil@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Yeah this should be up there with "stop, drop, and roll"

[-] XpeeN@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 month ago

Because magic™ is cool

[-] Estebiu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 month ago

That's so interesting. Thanks!

[-] Naich@lemmings.world 14 points 1 month ago

The safest way to do it is to get someone else to touch it first.

[-] Estebiu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 month ago

For downed, you mean just a power cable that's down on the ground but otherwise intact, or he's only dangerous when cut?

[-] MataVatnik@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Any cable that's not where it's supposed to be, just stay away 👌 Even if it isn't visibly cut there could be a short somewhere

[-] Estebiu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 month ago

mhh, you have a point.

[-] tibi@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Especially dangerous if it's a high voltage wire. Even standing close you can become the least resistant path to earth.

this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2025
1139 points (98.9% liked)

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