APS Urges Caution Near Downed Power Lines
Detroit Pair Electrocuted when Exiting Vehicle

September 24, 2009

APS customers are urged to exercise extreme caution in the event of downed power lines. The safety reminder comes in the wake of a double fatality that occurred in Detroit last week.

Two people died in the early morning hours of Sept. 14, after the vehicle they were driving was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused the first vehicle to knock down a power pole, bringing down an energized wire. The pair was electrocuted when they attempted to exit their vehicle.

"This is an unfortunate accident with a tragic outcome," said Edmund Ramirez, a senior public safety consultant for APS. "While the scenario that took place in Detroit is an unlikely one, we do want to remind our customers just how dangerous electricity can be. There is no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to electricity."

APS offers guidelines when encountering downed power lines:

• Stay away from downed power lines. In fact, stay away from all downed lines. Even if you believe it's a cable or telephone line, the dangers of electricity are simply too great to take that chance. Assume any line is an energized line. In the case of a downed line, immediately call 911, then APS.
  
  
• If a power line contacts your car or any mobile equipment while you're in it, stay in the vehicle. Try to attract help by blowing the horn and remain calmly in the vehicle until help arrives. Keep others away. If you must leave for a life-threatening reason, jump and land with both feet together, being careful not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle your feet until you are at a distance of at least 50 feet from your vehicle or equipment. Never attempt to return to the vehicle to obtain personal items. Utility or Emergency workers can help you obtain your belongings after the situation is made safe.

More information on electrical safety can be found at aps.com. Any questions can be directed to APS at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix metro area, or (800)253-9405 statewide.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Damon Gross
Phone: (602) 250-2269