Avoid Downed Power Lines Always use extreme caution near wires and power lines—for your own safety, treat them as though they are live and deadly. Never touch downed power lines or anything coming in contact with fallen lines, and don't walk beneath overhead equipment, lines or wires. If you see a downed power line, keep everyone away and call us immediately at 1-800-465-1212.

If someone is being electrically shocked due to downed power lines, do not touch them. Call for rescue and/or emergency medical assistance and notify us at 1-800-465-1212 immediately to report a life-threatening emergency.

In addition, please leave damaged poles alone. Handling or cutting utility poles—or burning them in your fireplace, woodstove or furnace—exposes you to the chemicals used to treat and preserve these poles.

Finally, if you see repair crews working on downed power lines, please drive carefully. Expect delays and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to restore your power.

Tree removal during a storm During a storm, our crews are focused on cutting and clearing trees from lower lines to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. While we will remove broken utility poles, homeowners are responsible for removing all broken and/or damaged trees and limbs including those National Grid cuts to expedite service restoration.

Important Note: During or after any storm event, consider all downed wires to be energized and dangerous, including telephone, fiber optic and cable TV wires. They may be in contact with energized electric wires that are not within your view. To report downed electric wires, please call 1-800-465-1212.

For more information on tree trimming, visit Trees & Your Electric Service.