How to stay safe if you end up in this extreme situation.
It’s a rare situation we never want to find ourselves in. If your vehicle accidentally crashes into the big green underground electric service box called a pad-mounted transformer, it’s important to know what to do next.
Though serious, please remember to stay calm and follow these steps:
Do not get out of your vehicle unless it is on fire
The area around your vehicle could be unsafe, so it’s important to stay put and call 911 immediately.
Do not back your car away from the pad-mounted transformer
Rubber tires can act as insulators, but if the transformer is open or damaged, this could increase your risk of electric shock. Keep your vehicle parked.
Warn those around you
If you see bystanders around you, open your window and warn them to stay at least 50 feet away. You can also ask them to call our emergency number, 888-883-3379, and 911.
If staying in the car is dangerous, get out safely
To exit your vehicle, stand on the edge of your doorframe, then cross your arms and jump free of the vehicle without touching it. Keep your feet together and land on both feet at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the vehicle to the earth. Shuffle-step or bunny hop (both feet contacting the earth at the same time) until you are 50 feet away. Do not lift one foot off the ground at a time, take large steps, or crawl. Keep your hands off the ground at all times. If you feel tingling in your legs, hop or shuffle another 50 feet away. Repeat until the feeling stops.
Find more safety tips at myPEC.com/safety.
