Guide

Downed Power Line in Quebec: Keep Away and Call 911

Protect people without approaching a wire, pole or object that may be energized.

Treat every wire as energized

Stay away, prevent others from approaching and call 911. Never touch a wire, tree, fence or vehicle in contact with it.

Create a wide exclusion area

Move away without running toward the wire and keep children and pets indoors or clear of the area. Electricity can travel through wet ground, snow, puddles or metal objects.

Inside a vehicle

If a wire falls on your vehicle, remain inside and call 911. Leave only when an immediate danger such as fire requires it and follow emergency instructions.

Do not intervene

Never use a tool, branch or vehicle to move the line. Do not clear a tree or reset a breaker when the outside installation is damaged.

Report and wait

Hydro-Québec says to call 911 for fire on a pole or downed lines. Give the address, landmarks and what the line touches, then wait for authorization before approaching.

Downed lines and outages — Hydro-Québec

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Official sources are linked in the guide. Reviewed August 29, 2026; confirm current instructions and deadlines with the responsible authority.
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