Wind Storm Prompts High Call Volume for Humboldt Bay Fire
Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:
Yesterday’s wind storm kept firefighters busy as back-to-back calls for service poured into the fire stations throughout the day and night.
The hazardous weather downed power lines and trees all over HBF’s jurisdiction, causing over 33 weather- related hazardous-condition calls alone.
Beyond those, HBF responded to a vehicle extrication, a structure fire, and a gas leak in addition to medical aids and other incidents totaling 54 calls for January 26. This is almost three times the daily average of 19 calls. Our strategic staffing model and deployment through our response area allows us to remain flexible in handling this call surge without increasing response times or reducing quality of service.
HBF would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for your communication regarding the numerous downed power lines and trees, subsequent electrical fires, and other hazards witnessed yesterday. Alerting 9- 1-1 and triggering emergency response personnel to these risks saves lives.
As a reminder, if you come across a downed power line, do not touch it or attempt to cross the area. Always assume a downed power line is live and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Safely move away from the line by shuffling your steps and keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. If your vehicles comes into contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Do not touch the frame or other metal and use your horn or phone to summon help. If you must evacuate due to fire or other imminent threat, jump from the vehicle, ensuring you land with both feet at the same time, then shuffle away. Call 9-1-1 for guidance.
As the week continues we anticipate continued inclement weather including wind and rain. Take precautions to secure yourselves and your belonging and drive especially cautiously. Thank you for helping keep yourself and your community safe.
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What’s the point of shuffling I always remember things better if I know why
Electricity always seeks ground. That would be the molten iron core at the center of our planet.
Electricity will take the most direct path to get there and it will do so at the speed of light. Should you find yourself in a situation with a live line you can be energized and become a part of the circuit. Yes, you can survive this without harm IF there’s no arc. Hence the shuffle. I’d avoid touching anything as well. 🙄
Transmission lines can carry up to a quarter million volts while the ones atop most phone poles run between 6,000 and 12,000 volts depending on the utility.
Bottom line; read that article again and believe every word.